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Motorcycle News, News

2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition Now Available

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The 2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition is probably the closest thing to a factory ride most of us will get. 

Begin Press Release: 

HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES UNVEILS 2021 FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION

ALL-NEW AESTHETICS AND FACTORY RACE TEAM COMPONENTRY FURTHER ENHANCE THE CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING MACHINE

Featuring a striking, brand-new look and class-leading performance, Husqvarna Motorcycles North America, Inc. is excited to reveal the 2021 FC 450 Rockstar Edition. Most recently acclaimed as the starting point for Zach Osborne’s 2020 AMA 450MX championship-winning Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing machine and the proven basis for Jason Anderson’s 2018 450SX title, the competition-ready motorcycle features numerous upgrades and improvements over the standard FC 450.

2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition

Building off an incredible conclusion to the 2020 AMA Supercross Championship with a Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing podium sweep via Osborne, Anderson and teammate Dean Wilson, the 2021 FC 450 Rockstar Edition is designed to further increase its winning potential inside the arena. Beneath the updated Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team graphics, the FC 450 Rockstar Edition uses Husqvarna Motorcycles’ lightweight FC 450 chassis, together with the latest WP XACT suspension. Delivering precise handling, the optimized suspension improves rider confidence allowing all racers to master the toughest terrain with conviction.

2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition

With a focus on the latest technology and offering fully customizable riding experiences, the 2021 FC 450 Rockstar Edition comes with Husqvarna Motorcycles’ all-new Connectivity Unit, which together with the myHusqvarna app was launched in October 2020. Fitted to the handlebar pad and controlled with the application, personalized engine maps and fine-tuned suspension settings can be created and stored to provide the ideal set-up for any track or conditions.

Ensuring an uncompromised power delivery from the SOHC 450 cc engine, an upgraded, high-performance Brembo hydraulic clutch system provides perfect action in all conditions, while also delivering exceptional reliability.

2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition

Completed with an FMF Racing Factory 4.1 silencer, GUTS Factory high-grip seat cover, Rekluse clutch cover, Factory wheel set, ProTaper handlebars and Factory CNC-machined triple clamps with adjustable offset, the FC 450 Rockstar Edition is built to perform at the highest level, straight out of the showroom.

Technical Highlights:

  • New Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphics
  • New Connectivity Unit fitted as standard to connect with the myHusqvarna app
  • Allows the rider to customize engine behavior to personal preferences and take terrain and track conditions into consideration
  • New high-performance Brembo hydraulic clutch system
  • Compact SOHC engine providing class-leading performance
  • Hydro-formed chromium molybdenum frame with premium black powder coating
  • Factory CNC-machined triple clamps with adjustable offset [20 – 22 mm]
  • Composite carbon fiber two-piece subframe design
  • Carbon fiber reinforced skid plate
  • WP XACT 48 mm front forks with AER technology
  • Mechanical Factory holeshot device
  • FMF Racing Factory 4.1 silencer
  • Softer, grey ODI lock-on grips
  • GUTS Factory high grip seat cover
  • Rekluse clutch cover
  • High-quality ProTaper handlebars and bar pad
  • Factory wheel set with D.I.D DirtStar rims and blue anodized CNC machined hubs
  • Multifunctional map switch, which also activates launch and traction control
  • Electric starter powered by a lightweight Li-Ion 2.0 Ah battery

Providing comfort, protection and style, the Functional Offroad Apparel Collection ensures riders of all abilities are fully prepared for their next ride. Additionally, a comprehensive lineup of Technical Accessories allows riders to customize, protect and further improve the performance and durability of their motorcycle.

The new 2021 FC 450 Rockstar Edition is available at authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers now. For more information, please visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com.

2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition

The post 2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition Now Available appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Motorcycle News, News

Progressive IMS Outdoors Reveals 2021 Tour Dates and Locations Spanning Nine Markets

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In 2021 the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows are going outdoors.

Begin press release:

The organizers of the nation’s leading consumer motorcycle tour today announced the official dates and locations of its inaugural Progressive IMS Outdoors tour. 

Developed in partnership with the powersports industry’s leading OEMs, the 2021 IMS Outdoors tour will span five months, taking place between June and October, stopping in nine cities throughout the U.S. The reimagined, festival-like outdoor tour combines the familiar aspects of the IMS brand that has kept enthusiasts returning for the past 40 years by showcasing the latest in motorcycles and powersports while broadening the event experience for attendees to learn and immerse themselves into brand-new market products including electric mobility (eBikes, eScooters, etc.), RVing, and much more to bring the thrill of powersports and beyond for both enthusiasts and interested riders.

The new completely-outdoors experience will feature more two- and four-wheel demo opportunities on motorcycles, ATVs, eBikes, eMotorcycles, and other powersports vehicles for attendees than ever before spanning both on- and off-road tracks. IMS Outdoors is an evolution of the IMS brand that brings more qualified riders into the industry – the largest and only industry-wide effort to do-so – by introducing existing riders to alternative forms of entertainment and transportation that naturally compliments the motorcycle lifestyle and enabling new riders to test their balance on electric bikes, four-wheeled machines, and more in a welcoming and safe environment.

The 2021 Progressive IMS Outdoor dates and cities are as follows:

  • DENVER

JUNE 18-20, 2021
Loveland, CO

  • SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

JULY 9-11, 2021
Irvine, CA

  • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

JULY 16-18, 2021
Sonoma, CA

  • CHICAGO

AUGUST 20-22, 2021
Elgin, IL

  • NEW YORK CITY

SEPTEMBER 3-5, 2021
Brooklyn, NY

  • PENNSYLVANIA

SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2021
Carlisle, PA

  • NASHVILLE

OCTOBER 8-10, 2021
Lebanon, TN

  • CENTRAL FLORIDA

OCTOBER 15-17, 2021
Lakeland, FL

  • ATLANTA

OCTOBER 29-31, 2021
Conyers, GA

City venues will be announced early-2021. The latest updates can be found here.

“The Progressive IMS Outdoors tour signifies not just a physical expansion for the event itself but the continued growth and evolution of the IMS brand to connect enthusiasts with the ever-evolving world of transportation/mobility and new lifestyles that riders may not have previously considered. Expect a larger and more interactive event than ever before with lots of new and familiar activities and attractions planned to entertain and inspire more riders of various forms,” said Tracy Harris, Senior Vice President, IMS. “Whether you want to see the latest bike models, introduce your friends and family to experience two- and four-wheels in a safe and approachable manner, or check out the future of RVing and electric mobility—it’s all possible at IMS Outdoors. Our IMS family looks forward to seeing you at a future event very soon.”

IMS Outdoors Introduces Electric Mobility and RV Products, Expands Demo Opportunities

IMS Outdoors represents a shift from the traditional IMS format to an outdoors experience highlighting new transportation lifestyles and more demo opportunities. The new outdoors format will notably introduce market adjacent products into the event from electric mobility products such as electric bicycles, which is seeing increased popularity across the U.S., and electric scooters, skateboards, and motorcycles. Moreover, as the adventure tourism market is expected to grow in the next decade, IMS Outdoors will introduce more RV products at each market stop for attendees to engage with to see what fits their adventurer lifestyle. The inclusion of new market-adjacent industries into the event will bring more qualified riders to support the Powersports industry.

More than ever before, the new larger venues for the 2021 IMS Outdoors will support more demo ride opportunities for attendees to test the latest motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, SxS, and electric mobility products (eBikes, eMotorcycles), and much more. Demo opportunities will vary per market stop and will have options for both licensed and non-licensed attendees.

Progressive’s multi-year support of IMS as title sponsor has enhanced the event experience for enthusiasts for ten years to-date. “Supporting riders as the #1 motorcycle insurer in the U.S. is our top priority at Progressive, and since 2010 we’ve partnered with IMS as the title sponsor to continue to reach current and new riders,” said Eric Doubler, Recreational Vehicle Business Leader at Progressive. “With this refreshing launch of Progressive IMS Outdoors tour, we are excited to continue to connect with more riders across the U.S. to support the growth of the Powersports community.”

Fan-Favorite Attractions Return to IMS Outdoors

Alongside new products, at each IMS Outdoors stop, attendees can expect to be entertained all weekend-long with local artisans and musicians planned to perform each day at the event while checking out the various options for craft food and drinks to re-energize their time on the various demo opportunities and attractions.

IMS Outdoors will confirm the return and expansion of several fan-favorite attractions from the traditional IMS tour format including the feature and display of the latest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, ATVs, gear, and aftermarket accessories. Other returning attractions include the Marketplace for attendees to purchase the latest gear, an expanded Adventure Out! area featuring more RV products for the adventurer, stunt shows, SHIFT, IMS Vintage, an expanded Discover The Ride program, and the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show.

This 2021 IMS Outdoors schedule represents just the beginning of the IMS brand evolution to reach new riders across the country and riders that have been attending IMS for years. IMS is working towards expanding the tour schedule in 2022 and beyond to re-visit past IMS markets and new markets that work best for attendees, participating OEMS and brands, venue operators, and event staff.

Industry professionals and enthusiasts can stay informed and connected on all things two-wheeled conveyance on ContinueTheRide.com. To subscribe to the industry and consumer e-newsletters and learn more about the IMS digital products, please visit ContinueTheRide.com.

Connect with IMS (#RidersUnite) and Continue The Ride (#ContinueTheRide):






The post Progressive IMS Outdoors Reveals 2021 Tour Dates and Locations Spanning Nine Markets appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Motorcycle News, News

Norton’s Commando Production Set To Resume

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Full Steam Ahead

After a strange and difficult journey, Norton announced that the first 40 motorcycles to officially roll off the production line will be Commandos.

After a year-long hiatus, Norton is cold-starting and firing on all cylinders after TVS – and Indian transnational – acquired the brand in a £16m deal last April. The company has built a brand new manufacturing facility in Solihull and plans to utilize that among other key assets to fulfill the Commandos that have already been pre-ordered by older customers. CEO John Russel stated that there will probably be a few units left over after fulfilling these previous orders.

Russel also added “We want to change from a cottage industry to a credible motorcycle manufacturer. We have set up an interim factory in Solihull and are laying down the production lines now. Even though it is temporary (probably for the next 4-5 years) it will still probably be the best facility Norton have ever had”

“That bike still needs some development and we will be sourcing some of the components from different suppliers. It’s a bike that has the right weight and riding position to suit the less experienced and those wanting a bike without too much drama.

“That should see us through the next 18 months and then we will start looking at new opportunities. We want Norton to be quintessentially British. Self assured, sturdy, an Aston Martin rather than a Ferrari.

Victoria pothole roadworks

“We want there to be substance and we won’t just be sticking Union Jacks everywhere. We want to make great products that just so happen to be British and they will be manufactured in Britain. But we won’t always be buying British parts. The motorcycle industry is multi-national and you can’t always get the best tech in the UK.”

The company is planning on growing at a very fast pace; after TVS acquired the brand only 55 employees remained. Russel speculates that the company could grow to a total of 200 employees now that the brand’s walking has turned into a brisk running pace. We hope the best for this heritage start-up and look forward to the new Commandos coming to fruition.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Honda Could Come Out With CB350 Scrambler Soon

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Get Ready for a Fantastic 350 Cafe Racer

Honda released a CB350 H’ness (Highness) in India not long ago. Almost as soon as it was revealed people began discussing scrambler and cafe racer versions of the motorcycle.

The H’ness was envisioned as a challenger to Royal Enfield’s Classic 350, and in order to do that, it does indeed look like Honda will craft some other versions of this bike. According to GaadiWaadi, Honda has plans to introduce a new cafe racer model in India. 

An unnamed source told the publication the motorcycle is currently in the works, and will likely come out sooner than many people expect. That’ means it will likely hit the market sometime in 2021.

I’d expect it to have the same 348cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine but sport some minor updates and feature a slightly higher price tag than the standard CB350 H’ness.

Serra racer

At the moment, the new CB350 is an India-only model, but I would love to see this come to other markets, and I think the bike could be a hit in Australia and in North America. If it goes anywhere after India, though, I bet Honda will release it in the UK, and then expand from there.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Competition, Motocross, News

‘Unfinished business’ for Crawford in Serco Yamaha homecoming

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News 4 Dec 2020

‘Unfinished business’ for Crawford in Serco Yamaha homecoming

Section: Competition

Familiar face returning to Queensland-based factory organisation.

Image: Foremost Media.

Serco Yamaha has signed Nathan Crawford for the 2021 ProMX and Australian Supercross Championship following a single year in the MX2 World Championship.

Crawford, 23, is already back on-board a YZ250F in Queensland after riding for Team Honda 114 Motorsports in Europe this season and ageing out of MX2.

“Racing the world championships for a manufacturer-supported team has always been a dream of mine and I’m glad I got to experience racing the best riders in the world firsthand,” Crawford commented. “It was an amazing experience and, despite COVID, a year I will never forget.

“Travelling from country to country and racing on tracks that I had only ever seen on video or YouTube was awesome and I’m so glad I got to do it. I would love to have stayed longer, but a few things didn’t work out and I began looking at my options racing back here in Australia.

“Joining back up with the Serco Yamaha team is cool as we have a good working relationship from my time there in 2018 and 2019. The same mechanics are still there and not a lot has changed, so it was nice to walk back into familiar surroundings and feel welcomed.

“It was much the same way stepping back onto the YZ250F. The bike feels so good and as a production bike it is the best in the class. It’s great to be back, I feel motivated and determined to get my career back on track and I have unfinished business in the MX2 class, so I’m really looking forward to getting things started in 2021.”

This year Serco Yamaha was due to field Aaron Tanti and Jesse Dobson prior to both motocross and supercross being cancelled, with Tanti recently announced to be riding for Team Solitaire Nuclear Blast Yamaha in 250SX West of Supercross in the US. It is unclear who will partner Crawford from 2021.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Triumph Is Back in the English Supersport Championship

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Officially Supporting the Performance Technical Racing Team

Triumph and Performance Technical Racing (PTR) team have partnered up to bring Triumph back to the English Supersport Championship. The team will be led by Simon Buckmaster, who has been in competitions like the Supersport World Championship and the Isle of Man TT.

Triumph will provide official support to PTR. The bike will be directly based on the Street Triple RS model, specifically the Triple 765cc engine used in Moto2. The team will be racing to win and to develop experience so Triumph can return to the Supersport World Championship in 2022. 

“Triumph has a consolidated experience, built on numerous successes, in the Supersport category through the Daytona 675, and lately through the remarkable results achieved with the supply of 3-cylinder engines for Moto2. Supersport has always been a crucial category for training riders capable of competing at high levels in WSBK and MotoGP. For this reason, we are pleased that MSVR, Dorna, and the FIM are working on the evolution of Supersport regulations, also encouraging manufactures like Triumph to fall into this category,” said Steve Sargent, Triumph Motorcycle Chief Product Officer, according to Motociclismo.

Kawasaki Ninja 250 KRT

It will be interesting to see how this goes for Triumph. All the ingredients seem to be there now the racing team just has to execute. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Ducati Reveals the 950 Monster for 2021

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Last updated:

The Monster Is Ready for 2021

In the final Web reveal of the year for Ducati, the company showcased the new 950 Monster. This bike shares its engine with the latest Supersport 950 and should be one heck of a motorcycle.

The bike’s Testaretta 11-degree engine makes 111 hp and 69 lb-ft of torque, and Ducati did its best to make the most of that by making the Monster lightweight. The company said this is the lightest Monster yet. It managed to lose 40 pounds when compared to the outgoing 821 Monster.

The 2021 950 Monster gets a full-color TFT display, ABS, TC, launch control, wheelie control, three riding modes, and a quickshifter. There’s also a lighter and easier to use clutch.

Aprilia scooter

Suspension on this motorcycle is 43mm USD forks and a rear mono-shock. Stopping power comes by way of Brembo M4.32 monoblock 4-piston calipers and 320mm discs up front and 2-piston Brembo calipers in the rear with a 245mm disc.

Service intervals are every 15,000 km or every 12 months and you can get this bike with either a Ducati Red or a Dark Stealth paint job. The price of this model in Australia is $18,200 ride away.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

FOR SALE: 1965 BMW R60/2

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Aged Like Fine Wine

Vintage BMW motorcycles are elegant and beautiful pieces of artwork, no matter what type of riding you’re into. If you’ve been examining vintage BMW’s and haven’t had the perfect chance to get one; your time is now.

This 1965 BMW R660/2 is a refinished bike with paint so perfect it might trick you into thinking it just rolled off the dealership lot. Ozzie’s BMW dealership in Chico California did the restoration job in 2012, and the bike has seen limited miles since then (50). It comes with the same bill of sale and title that was originally gathered when the bike was purchased from Ozzie’s BMW dated 2013. The motorcycle currently sits at 25,000 miles displayed by the odometer, but the exact mileage will remain a mystery. 

This R660/2 comes with the original 596cc opposed-twin engine (producing 30 vintage horses when new) with a four-speed gearbox. The paint has been redone in a gloss black with white pinstriping, and the two-up seat has been reupholstered in matching black leather with white accenting around the edges.

Don’t worry about rolling around on 50+-year-old tires, new period-correct Metzeler tires have been mounted to the wire-spoke 18-inch rims to keep the authenticity of this classic motorcycle as true-to-form as possible.

This piece of modern history currently sits at a comfortable price of $7500, despite the auction on bringatrailer.com only having 2 days remaining to bid. If you’re looking for a low-priced classic BMW for date nights with the wifey, this very well may be the bike for you.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Competition, Motocross, News

Unchanged line-up of Purvis and Larwood confirmed by WBR

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News 3 Dec 2020

Unchanged line-up of Purvis and Larwood confirmed by WBR

Section: Competition

Yamaha teammates stepping up in categories for 2021 ProMX campaign.

Image: Foremost Media.

WBR Bulk Nutrients Yamaha will retain the unchanged line-up of Maximus Purvis and Alex Larwood for the 2021 Pro MX championship, with Purvis stepping up to MX1 and Larwood MX2.

Current New Zealand MX2 champion Purvis will defend his title at home with JCR Yamaha prior to stepping up to the YZ450F in Australia.

“2021 needs to be a huge year for me and one that establishes me in Australian motocross,” Purvis said. “The move to the 450 class is one that excites me as I have been riding one in New Zealand for the last eight months and I feel really comfortable on the bike and suits the way I ride.

“Being back with WBR Yamaha is also great. We have a great working relationship that has grown over the past few years and they are a good group of guys to go racing with. The dealership is also close to where I base myself while in Australia, so they are always available if I need anything.”

Larwood was supposed to debut in MXD this year until motocross was cancelled, instead now stepping directly into the professional ranks after the MX3 class took the MXD category’s place. He’s recovered from a broken leg earlier this year.

“It’s great to be back with WBR Yamaha again and racing the MX2 class on the YZ250F,” Larwood said. “I had put in a lot of work at the start of 2020 and was feeling great on the bike, but my leg injury kept me sidelined for a while and that has only made the motivation stronger.

“I’m looking forward to racing the MX2 class and going against the best guys in Australia. It will be a big step, but I have been training with a lot of riders already in that class and feel comfortable riding with them. The leg is nearly 100 percent and I have a full program ready to go in the off season to ensure I hit round one in great shape.”

WBR Yamaha is a motorcycle dealer in the Victorian border town of Echuca. Ran by the Whitten family, the racing arm of the business has become a great promotional tool for WBR Yamaha and one that owner, Travis Whitten, is passionate about.

“Our whole family is into racing and as the business has grown, so has both our and Yamaha’s investment in racing with us,” he explained. “In 2021 we will be fielding two riders in the major classes and I’m confident in both the talent and determination of Maximus and Alex to succeed.

“The knowledge that we learn from racing can be feed directly back to our customers and we can provide them with real-world information that can make the most of their purchase. 2021 is a step-up up for our race team and one that we are looking forward to.”


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Check Out This Honda CB10000F Concept!

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A Blast From the Past

Concept motorcycles and mock-ups are the life-force that keeps motorcycle enthusiasts tied-over between big releases. If you are suffering from dream withdrawal and are looking for a fix, Honda cooked up this vintage-inspired CB1000F just for you.

This aged roadster concept was based on honda’s current CB1000R naked sportbike with your favorite parts from historic motorcycles tied into a modern-day chassis and form factor. There is no way to tell if this concept bike is ever going to see production, but according to MCN, rumors from japan compounded with the original unveiling of the CB-F Concept last spring could suggest otherwise.

The current CB1000R already a beautiful looking motorcycle, but this F edition takes the best features from the R – such as the single-sided swingarm and light-weight modern rims – and packages it along with Honda’s dangerously smooth 998cc DOHC inline-four to create this pre-modern masterpiece. It’s safe to assume that if this motorcycle came to production, the engine would be slightly detuned much like Kawasaki’s Z900RS.

The same steel spine frame and aluminum swingarm will come right from the CB1000R along with the forks and brakes; so you know this motorcycle will ride its way into a much higher category of performance than what it’s appearance may initially lead you to believe.

The body features a very vintage seat and tank, along with the graphics and headlamp looking they were ripped straight off an 80’s CB. Personally, the CBX1050 is my favorite motorcycle of all time, and I think this bike is a beautiful throwback to honda’s golden age of industry domination.

Let’s see if Honda can turn this dream into a reality.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com