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From the past: Honda PC800 Pacific Coast Motorcycle

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by Steven Symes from https://autos.yahoo.com This is probably the weirdest motorcycle Honda has ever made, but is it collectible? Quirky, weird, and car-like, the Honda PC800 Pacific Coast emerged for 1989 to woo people out of their Accords and onto two wheels. Amazingly, the bizarre touring motorcycle was manufactured through the 1998 model year, but many people today seem to have forgotten about it. If we didn’t know better, it would almost be like people have collectively tried to forget about the Pacific Coast. However, we figured now is a good time to revisit this now-vintage motorcycle and examine if anything about it could be considered desirable for collectors. At the other end of the spectrum was the Honda Valkyrie Rune. The origins of the PC800 go back to 1985 when Honda R&D Americas, Inc. was established in the name of efficiency. That characteristic is, after all, one of the main attractive elements of Hondas, so it seemed to make sense. That meant the same people were developing cars, motorcycles, and other Honda products. We know, we know, the jokes practically write themselves but we’ll leave it at that. Perhaps the most bizarre products of this shift in strategy was the Honda PC800. Designed as a motorcycle for people who prefer cars, the design was friendlier and more approachable than what you would find with a Harley, Ducati, Suzuki, or even another Honda motorcycle. The press for the most part were wowed by the PC800. It was portrayed as innovative, forward-thinking, and further testified to the master genius of Honda. Most definitely it was a gamble made at a time when the US economy was strong and companies were more willing to stick their necks out to take a gamble. After all, Honda risked losing a lot of its credibility […]

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Curtiss Electric Motorcycle Is Born

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by Florina Spînu from https://www.autoevolution.com Company formerly known as Confederate Motors has introduced their electric luxury motorcycle. One way or another, the future will be electric. With the debut of Harley-Davidson’s new LiveWire EV-only brand, more and more motorcycles will take on the trend. For Curtiss Motorcycles, luxury marries electrification in a ride. On that note, the brand just rolled out a trailer that showcases the beginning of its new “golden age” of electric motorcycles. We know that retro-bikes will never lose their charm, and Curtiss Motorcycles seem to combine the vintage look with modern convenience. Formerly known as Confederate Motors, the Alabama-based brand has a rich history dating back to 1907, when Glenn Curtiss set an unofficial world record of 136 mph (219 kph), on a 40 hp (30 kW) V8-powered motorcycle designed and built by himself in Florida. Sharing the name with its famous aviation pioneer ancestor, the brand tried to keep its heritage and implement it into their bikes, but with a twist. Along with the production of its all-electric motorcycle Curtiss One, it started a path toward electrification with all its future rides. Titled “Green, Clean, Mod, Cool: A New Age,” the trailer explains the brands’ philosophical narrative as well as Curtiss One, the company’s not only first precision-centered motorcycle, but also its new platform architecture that will serve as the foundation for all its future motorcycles. Ergonomics played a key role in the making process of the One. Inspired by an aircraft, its core is connected by a 39mm hard-steel axle. Its only moving parts are the oversized output shaft and its wheels. By keeping the radially organized battery cells submerged in coolant, the Curtiss Power Pak acts as a radiator for the whole system. The bike has no transmission or gearbox. Instead, the power

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New Beginnings Bikernet Weekly News for May 20, 2021

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Hey, This is a momentous day in the Badlands. Bandit and the Redhead have escaped to the Badlands. This effort was a mixture of organization, money, stress, and perseverance. Someone said I should write a story about the move. At the time, the thought of it terrified me, but I suppose I’m getting to the point… I needed to finish the job first. I will mention one item that was paramount: Coordination. You could do us a major big favor and share the news with anyone and everyone. We work hard on the news every week and I believe it covers motorcycle related news and freedom news worldwide. You could help a lot, by grabbing the link and sharing it with the world. Hang on for more reports, and keep freedom alive, forever. –Bandit Click Here to read the Weekly News on Bikernet. Join the Cantina for more – Subscribe Today. https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

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Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP new features announced

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by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP Goes for MotoGP Look, Cuts Back on Emissions. It seems to have been a busy week for motorcycle makers, as a number of them have released versions of some of their most sought-after products revised for the 2022 model year. The latest name to join the party is Ducati, which has just announced some changes for the Hypermotard line. These changes are not all that extensive. First of all, the family continues to have three members, namely the 950, 950 RVE, and 950 SP. All continue to be powered by the same 937cc Ducati Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder engine as before, rated at 114 hp. All three models in the range now comply with the Euro 5 emissions standard, without that change taking its toll on output levels. The difference is how the engine is worked through a revised gearbox that allows for easier shifts to neutral when the bikes are standing still. Ducati says the solution chosen for the gearbox is the same one already deployed on the Monster and SuperSport 950. Just one member of the small family received a more comprehensive upgrade. Already at the head of the Hypermotard table, the SP is now gifted with a special livery meant to be reminiscent of the Italian bike maker’s involvement in MotoGP. The elements that set it apart from the other two, Öhlins suspension with increased travel, Marchesini forged wheels and standard Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO, continue to be offered for the SP. As for the other two, the 950 RVE continues to be offered in Graffiti livery, while the 950 comes in the usual Ducati Red. Ducati says it has already begun producing the new Hypermotard motorcycles, and they should hit dealerships’ shelves next month.

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Harley-Davidson Museum News

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Reopening, new exhibits, installations, programs, events and more As a part of the Harley-Davidson Museum’s phased reopening, the H-D Museum will soon expand its hours of operation. Beginning Thursday, May 6, the H-D Museum and The Shop will be open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant will also have expanded operations on Thursdays, with its hours of operation 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. And with a new installation arriving May 14, it’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the expanded hours. “The Harley Fox” bike will be on view in the Custom Culture gallery. This display showcases the explosive growth of women’s riding in the 1980s and draws a direct line from those efforts to the riders of today. But don’t fret. Even if a trip to the H-D Museum isn’t in your plans just yet, our Virtual Gallery Talks, taking place Thursday evenings, aren’t going anywhere. This month, topics will include Harley-Davidson’s humble beginnings, the role H-D has played in U.S. military efforts and more. Click Here to read all the new happenings at Harley-Davidson Museum. Join the Cantina for more – Subscribe Today. https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

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E3 Spark Plugs Introduces E3 Lithium Powersports Batteries

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Longer lasting, lightweight and more environmentally sound than conventional batteries Ponta Vedre, FL (May 4, 2021) — E3 Spark Plugs, the makers of the patented DiamondFIRE Technology spark plug, announces the introduction of a new line of lithium phosphate powersports batteries. Born from cutting edge nano-scale materials, E3 Lithium promises to redefine power delivery in the powersports world. “We are extremely excited to bring the most powerful, most economical lithium powersports battery on the market today to enthusiasts everywhere,” said E3 Vice President of Motorsports & Business Development, Rob Fisher. “These batteries are durable, ultra-lightweight and incredibly powerful. Plus, they are designed to deliver years of exceptional performance which we back up with an industry first 5 year warranty.” Initially the product line features eight offerings, ranging in power output from 140 to 760 Cold Cranking Amps and covering a wide range of applications including motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and more. Some of the performance benefits of the E3 Lithium line of powersports batteries include: 80% lighter than traditional batteries 3x longer life than traditional batteries Charges much faster than traditional batteries Delivers much quicker starts than traditional batteries IP 66 Environmental Rating (pressure washer friendly) Mounts in any position Environmentally friendly E3 Lithium Batteries feature an integrated Battery Management System (BMS) that maintains constant cell balancing to ensure that the output of the individual lithium packs inside the battery maintain equal output and charge levels at all times. In addition, the BMS offers the following model specific attributes to ensure years of trouble-free power delivery from your E3 Lithium Battery. Overcharge Protection Over-Discharge Protection Short Circuit Protection Excessive Cranking Protection Built In Cell Balancing Technology LED Battery Fault Light Indicator (select models only) The MSRP starts at $160.00; which makes this line the lightest, most powerful

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Yamaha Bolt 2021 bobber-style V-Twin cruiser

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by Arun Prakash from https://www.rushlane.com 2021 Yamaha Bolt Cruiser Gets Updated With R-Spec Variant – will be offered in two paint options- Metallic Black or Grayish Blue Metallic. Yamaha boasts a wide range of motorcycles across a variety of body styles and segments in its international lineup. The international lineup of Yamaha continues to grow stronger as it has launched an updated version of Bolt in its home market. For reference, the Bolt moniker was first introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model, specifically for the US market. In its upgraded form revealed recently, the big bobber-style cruiser will only be available in the R Spec trim while the base variant has been axed from the lineup. Traditional Cruiser Styling The new 2021 Bolt R Spec rides on premium 19-inch front and 16-inch rear alloy wheels with a brushed metallic finish wrapped around by tubeless tyres. The base variant, on the other hand, was offered only wire-spoke wheels. It flaunts a retro theme styling featuring round headlamps, taillamps, circular instrument cluster and a teardrop-shaped fuel tank. The split-seat design further enhances its bobber stance. Overall, the cruiser features elegant styling which is accentuated by a beautifully styled engine taking centre stage with a polished crankcase and cooling fins. It will be offered in two colour schemes- Metallic Black or Grayish Blue Metallic. The latter also comes with understated body graphics. Hardware Setup Hardware configuration of the motorcycle is kept intact. It is built on a dual cradle frame with the front end suspended on a pair of 41mm telescopic forks. While the rear end is suspended on a set of twin gas-charged shocks with gold-coloured external reservoirs. Anchorage is handled by front and rear 298mm petal disc brakes which are assisted by dual-channel ABS. At a kerb weight of 252kg,

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Harley-Davidson Pan America Riding Review

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by Basem Wasef from https://www.rideapart.com Running trails and getting dirty with Pan America. Harley-Davidson has been about as relevant in the big bore adventure segment as a skateboard at the Dakar. Having loafed on the ADV genre for decades, The Motor Company is finally taking a swing at the segment with the 2021 Pan America, a purpose-built adventure bike to battle stalwarts like the BMW R 1250 GS/GS Adventure, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, and Triumph Tiger 1200. The Pan Am boasts familiar H-D visual elements wrapped around some impressively future-forward technology. This new tech is benchmarked against a field that’s seen numerous iterations and refinements over the years. First (and perhaps foremost) in this image-conscious category, the clean-sheet Pan America strikes a look that stands apart from its rugged competitors. Harley says its styling aligned with the brand’s design language. There’s also a prevailing visual sentiment that departs from the familiar with an unapologetically brutalist look: blocky shapes, menacing headlamps with a secondary strip of lean angle-sensitive adaptive drew headlamp inspo from the Fat Bob and fairing cues from Road Glide, keeping the bike’s LEDs positioned above, and an imposing chunkiness that disregards any attempt at being pretty. Of course, the highest-stake component isn’t its looks, but rather the all-new Revolution Max powerplant. The liquid-cooled, 1,252cc, 60-degree V-twin shares the same bore and stroke as the late, great V-Rod, but has next to nothing in common with any existing Harley engine apart from its dimensions. Equipped with dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, and a lofty 13.1:1 compression ratio, the fully counterbalanced engine requires premium fuel but returns a stout 150 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 94 lb-ft at 6,750 rpm. That’s more horsepower but less twist than BMW’s R 1250 GS’ 136 hp/105 lb-ft, but well below the hot-rodded

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Limited Edition Sandstorm Street Scramblers from Triumph

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by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com Triumph Street Scrambler Sandstorm Ready for Desert Racing Thrills and on the Road The Triumph motorcycle brand means many things to a lot of people, but one of its most important contributions is the one made to desert racing. Ever since the 1960s, the name Triumph has been a regular of such events, including more recently in places like the Mojave or Baja. Trying to honor that legacy, the British bike maker took advantage of the launch of the refreshed Street Scrambler range to usher in the limited edition Sandstorm. Boasting the same changes as the rest of the range—things like an improved Bonneville engine, developing 64 hp and 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) of torque, Brembo brakes, and improved visuals—the Sandstorm will set itself apart through a series of unique features. The first and most in-your-face feature is the color chosen for the body. Officially titled Sandstorm Edition, it blends Matt Storm Grey, Ironstone, and black on the fuel tank “in a unique new tri-tone style.” The special edition will be fitted as standard with things other Triumphs get as optional extras. Those include LED taillight and number plate, heavy-duty aluminium sump guard, a new headlight grille with Triumph branding, and protective rubber knee pads on the tank. Triumph plans to make just 775 of these Sandstorm Edition Street Scramblers for all of its global markets. Each of them will come with its own certificate of authenticity containing the bike’s VIN number. Deliveries of the model are expected to start as soon as next month, and for the American market, the asking price is $11,750. That’s just $750 over the price of the revamped, regular Street Scrambler that should become available in July. But those are just the starting prices as, just like with the

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New Triumph Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition

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Released today, the new 2022 Triumph Motorcycles Scrambler 1200 is now more refined than ever. The Scrambler 1200 XC is built for sublime all-road fun and the range-topping Scrambler 1200 XE sets the benchmark for specification and off-road capability. Additionally, the Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition is limited to just 1,000 units and brings unique style and specifications to the ultimate Scrambler. With all the Triumph Motorcycles Scrambler 1200 XC and XE’s category-dominating specification and style, incredible torque delivery and signature soundtrack, the new 2022 update delivers lower emissions whilst retaining all the thrilling performance, high power and torque that they are renowned for. Alongside the 2022 generation Scramblers comes a new beautiful and unique limited edition that celebrates the most famous movie star, stunt and motorcycle in history, with the Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition. Thrilling Performance  New engine update with lower emissions New exhaust system update with improved heat distribution High power 1200cc Bonneville twin engine with dedicated Scrambler tune 81 LB-FT at a low 4,500rpm and 89HP at 7,250rpm Dual-purpose Classic and Adventure cross-over Commanding riding position with wide adjustable handlebars Superior rider comfort 21” front wheel, properly capable of going scrambling Category-leading specification and state-of-the-art technology Öhlins long travel fully adjustable RSUs and long travel Showa forks Twin Brembo M50 radial monobloc callipers Long-travel aluminum swingarm Full-color TFT instruments with illuminated switches Up to 6 riding modes, including Off-Road Pro (XE) Optimized cornering ABS and optimized cornering traction control (XE) All-LED lighting Keyless ignition, single button cruise control and USB charging socket 21st century Scrambler-defining style and premium details Iconic silhouette with sculpted bench seat and signature high level twin exhaust Beautifully engineered side-laced tubeless wheels Seamless fuel tank with brushed aluminum Monza cap 70+ accessories, including new Dakar inspired fly screen NEW Scrambler 1200 Steve

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