by Sagar Patel from https://www.rushlane.com With a dry weigh of 187 kg, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 is one of the lightest offerings in its class The highly competitive middle-weight adventure tourer segment has received a new European entrant in the form of Aprilia Tuareg 660. The Piaggio-owned sportsbike marque has revived its old nameplate with a product which conforms to the original philosophy. Aprilia Tuareg 660 – Overview The styling, however, has nothing in common with any of Aprilia’s existing and previous models. The striking front fascia with compartmentalised headlamp cluster and tall windscreen is highly unconventional. With a tall stance, massive fuel tank, comfortable seats and an upward sweeping exhaust canister, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a typical adventure tourer which is not afraid to get its tyres dirty. The Italian motorcycle is equipped with spoke wheels (21 inch front and 18 inch rear), dual-purpose tyres, long-travel (240 mm) upside down front telescopic forks and progressive linkage rear suspension system, twin front discs and a single rear disc. Everything is held together by a trellis frame. The Aprilia Tuareg 660’s hardcore appeal makes it a serious rival to the Yamaha Tenere 700 and BMW F 860 GS. Engine and equipment The 660 cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine has been borrowed from the RS660 and Tuono 660. This motor is essentially a twin-cylinder derivative of the iconic RSV4’s unit but on board the adventure tourer, it is tuned to suit the application. Power and torque outputs stand at 80 hp and 70 Nm of torque, and the gearbox is a 6-speed unit. Aprilia will position its newest offering at the premium end of the segment, and will back it up with a comprehensive suite of APRC electronic gadgetry including traction control, cruise control, engine braking, fuel maps, and so on. The motorcycle will have four riding modes of which two are adjustable, switchable ABS, LED headlamp, and a colour TFT instrument cluster with possible Bluetooth connectivity. The Tuareg 660 weights 187 kg dry and carries an 18-liter fuel tank. Launch and price Aprilia has not announced the price of the Tuareg 660 yet but one can expect it to be more expensive than most of its rivals given that it is equipped up to its gills. The Italian brand is expected to launch the motorcycle in international markets towards the end of this year as a 2022 model. The product will give Aprilia access to the highly lucrative global medium displacement adventure tourer market. The Tuareg has the potential to become the brand’s international best seller in a very short period of time. Could a bigger engined Tuareg be in the pipeline?

Visit Aprilia Official Website at https://www.aprilia.com/en_EN/tuareg-660/

By Bandit with photos from Sam Burns Collection

I’ve never been a fan of velocity stacks. One, I was just a hardworking sort and couldn’t afford top end jobs every year. I tried to build shit that was fast but would hang together.

At the time I wore my greasy Levi’s every day, until they shinned. I couldn’t afford a motorcycle jacket, so I used an old parka and put a rough leather welding jacket over it. I dyed it black and sewed a set of Harley wings on the back. I wore gauntlet leather welding gloves, which I also died black. My hair was long sandy and wavy, and I had a full beard.

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Art Supporting the Motorcycle Industry

To keep the sport of motorcycling healthy, we are looking for the next group of riders. And we found them, they’re kindergartners!

We’re training them to ride by donating bikes to their P.E. classes. Here are the stats:

• 343 schools
• 42 states
• Instructed 57,934 kiddos

That way, when they’re ready to make a decision about motorcycling, they’ve done the hard work.

Help us train up the next generation of riders by registering for our online silent auction. It’s easy, just click here for the link and register.

This year we have skate decks, flasks, print art, and photography. There are hard parts too.

You are receiving this message because you are an influencer in the industry.

Please register for the Flying Piston Benefit and Builder Breakfast and promote the link – https://www.qtego.net/qlink/flyingpistonbenefit – on your social media outlets.

Artists that are participating include Darren Mckeag, Chop Docs, Atomic Bob, Kevin “Teach” Baas, Jason Wharton, Howard Knight, and many, many more!

We even have some super-cool knucklehead hatchet and double knucklehead hammer from Jason Momoa and Taber Nash of Nash Motorcycle Co.

So go ahead and register, we know you want to.

Click here to register. https://www.qtego.net/qlink/flyingpistonbenefit

ROYAL ENFIELD BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. ROAD RACING FEATURED AT BRAINERD MOTOAMERICA

CJ Lukacs shines as BTR Road Race women take on the Brainerd, Minnesota opening round

Milwaukee, WI (Monday, August 2, 2021) – Royal Enfield’s The Brainerd MotoAmerica round was host to the opening round of the Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. (BTR) Road Race Program where seven women, who have spent months designing, building and training aboard their Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 motorcycles, finally got to chase the checkered flag. The historic exhibition, showcasing the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and an all-women field of builders/racers, was featured alongside the pro ranks of MotoAmerica, the premiere motorcycle road racing series in North America.

Starting with Thursday’s Dunlop tire test, all the way through to Sunday’s exhibition race, the BTR Road Racing women took part in all of the practice and qualifying sessions. With only two official training dates on their Continental GT 650 race bikes, the ladies were thrilled to gain the added track time on Thursday. Dunlop stepped up with a fresh set of tires for the BTR participants—a welcome surprise that was above and beyond Dunlop’s original commitment to the program. Ohlins was on hand for the BTR women with suspension support, helping the racers make adjustments throughout the practice sessions.

A standout star rose to the top throughout the weekend—BTR Road Race’s CJ Lukacs stormed to a dominant victory on Sunday ahead of Becky Goebel and Trisha Dahl. Lukacs led every lap and was able to take the victory, despite a hard get-off in Saturday’s practice session that sent her tumbling. The former pro motocross racer was a bit sore, but able to get her Royal Enfield sorted out in time for qualifying, and ultimately the final race on Sunday.

“I am overcome with emotion,” said Lukacs. “This first event, being in the pits of MotoAmerica, seeing the fans, the excitement, going through testing and practice, track walks with Melissa Paris and Josh Hayes, has been unreal. Seeing ourselves on tv and our journey and program being talked about his the coolest thing ever. To have this race win means so many amazing and different things to me. I’m super excited for our next round and I couldn’t be more grateful to Royal Enfield for making this a reality.”

“I had a blast today out on the Brainerd track with my newfound family,” said runner-up Becky Goebel. “I’m just so happy to be feeling comfortable on a racetrack and getting into the idea of racing and learning a new motorcycle discipline. For me, this whole program is about having fun and finishing. Today, that was exactly what we did and that’s what’s cool and gratifying about the Build Train Race Program.”

Third-place finisher Trisha Dahl, who edged out Alyssa Bridges for the final podium position, echoed the sentiment. “What a dream come true. This winter when I started this program with Royal Enfield, I would daydream about what race day would look like and this far exceeded my vision. I’m very fortunate to be one of the seven ladies chosen to race this beautiful GT 650. I can’t thank Bree Poland and Melissa Paris enough. They have put so much time and effort into making this program successful. These ladies aren’t just my teammates; they’re family now.”

Together with MotoAmerica, the Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. program is breaking ground with an all-women series featuring machines that the women built themselves, creating a unique and unforgettable platform for the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 motorcycle. Royal Enfield is ecstatic to see the hard work of the participants, the sponsors, and the MotoAmerica crew come together on the track for the opening round of this historic program.

“Having an all-female road race team has been a dream of mine for a long time, and I’m thankful for Royal Enfield and our team in the UK for supporting this effort,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “I’m so proud of all our participants, and blown away by the support of all our BTR sponsors. The fans loved the experience and the entire MotoAmerica paddock welcomed in the women as part of the family. We are looking forward to the next two BTR Road Race races with MotoAmerica in Pittsburgh and Barber.”

Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE.

Round 1 Results – Brainerd MotoAmerica

1. CJ Lukacs

2. Becky Goebel

3. Trisha Dahl

4. Alyssa Bridges

5. Michaela Trumbull

6. Kayla Theisler

7. Scarlett Grosselanghorst

Visit https://motoamerica.com/standings/ for detailed results.

The women of Royal Enfield BTR Road Racing will be back in action August 13-15 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania for the second of three rounds. Find more information on the Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. Road Race Program at https://buildtrainrace.com/.

About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.

Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 125 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.

For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.

from https://www.myhighplains.com

26th Annual Harley Party held at Tri-State Fairgrounds, benefits Family Support Services in Amarillo

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — One of the biggest parties of the summer was held out at the Tri-State Fairgrounds this afternoon. The 26th Annual Harley Party, an Amarillo staple, returned after being canceled last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Event organizers said turnout for the event was good. Live music, food, vendor booths, and a drawing for a chance to win a motorcycle were all on hand for the activities.

The best part about the event, it directly benefits Family Support Services here in Amarillo.

“Well we’re just excited to be out and providing this event again,” said Jim Womack, CEO of Family Support Services. “It’s not only a fundraiser but it’s a way to thank our supporters and the community. You know, and show them a good time and, you know, great bands and great food and it’s the drinks and it’s just a great time for everybody.”

by Dave Barr from https://www.pahomepage.com

LONG POND, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Not racecars, but motorcycles tackled the Tricky Triangle this weekend.

The annual Pocono Raceway Motorcycle Ride took place Saturday in Monroe County. Riders across the commonwealth came to ride on the track as well as indulge in a surf and turf meal.

The ride started at Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson in Tannersville, then went to the track for a few laps and then back to the motorcycle business.

“Well for are family, it’s giving back to the community and our employees are involved. It’s just a great thing to do, you know? We see a lot of suffering and we hope that what we do helps the community,” Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson president Jim Schlier said.

Benefits from the event went to Valor, the Pennsylvania State Police’s camp cadet, and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department.

The Xtreme Dragbike Association (XDA) is an east coast motorcycle drag racing series.

This past weekend Maryland International Raceway hosted a record sized crowd at the 21st annual WPGC Bike Fest with over 9,000 fans in attendance! The XDA continues to deliver the largest motorcycle drag racing event in the industry. The event also featured Live music, a Freestyle Motocross show, sound competition, custom bike show, a huge vendor midway, and a hot bikini contest.

The action on the track yielded a stout 810 entries for an exciting weekend of competition. The record spectator turnout enjoyed the variety of activities going down in the pits and the non-stop on-track action. With something for everyone, it’s no surprise this event grows every year.

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from Laconia Motorcycle Week Assoc.

The 2021 Fritzie Baer trophy for above and beyond service to Laconia Motorcycle Week Motorcycle Rally has been awarded to Don Hamme of Erie, PA.

For the past fifteen years, Hamme has been a promoter of Motorcycle Week throughout the Western PA, Western New York and Eastern Ohio region giving talks, making calls and distributing the Rally News to motorcycle enthusiasts. Hamme is a tireless booster for the rally. At times, showing his dedication through acts such as meeting a train at 4:30am and lugging hundreds of pounds of magazines through the train station.

Recently, Charlie St. Clair, Executive of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, drove 1,000 miles round-trip to Erie, PA to surprise Hamme with the trophy as Hamme was unable to attend this year’s rally. St. Clair commented, “It was the least we could do for Hamme because of the dedication he has shown to the Rally.”

The Fritzie Baer Trophy was first awarded in 1996 and has been received by the likes of Governor John Lynch, Peter Makris of the Naswa Resort, Laconia Mayor Ed Engler and Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield over the past 20 years, just to name a few.

Fritzie Baer was a true booster for the Rally leading the Red Hat Brigade, a group of supporters who raised funds to put on the Rally. Baer was the lead charge for the Rally and is credited with bringing the AMA Road Champion Races to Laconia in 1938.

by Fraser Addecott from https://www.mirror.co.uk

Sales of electric two-wheelers are booming and with manufacturers producing bikes like this one, it’s easy to see why.

It seems difficult to keep up with the number of new electric two-wheelers coming on to the market these days.

The trend was already under way and has only been accelerated by the pandemic, with commuters and others looking for alternatives to public transport.

Figures from the Motorcycle Industry Association show sales of electrics for June up 155% compared to the same month last year.

Sales for the year up until last month are also up 210% compared to the same period in 2020.

That is impressive growth, with the majority of bikes sold falling in the 50cc and 125cc equivalent categories.

Artisan Electric is a British company established in 2016 with a “mission to change the face of electric motorcycles and scooters with industry-leading innovation and product quality”.

The company offers a range of seven electric bikes and scooters – and the one I am testing here is the CR6.

This is a 125cc-equivalent machine, with a pretty cool retro-meets-futuristic look.

The air-cooled electric motor is powered by a 3.96kWh Panasonic lithium-ion battery.

Careful riding will produce a range of around 60 miles.

Haring around flat out – top speed is about 55mph – will cut your range to around 30 miles.

That may not sound much, but the CR6 is aimed at commuters and for jaunts into town, so it’s perfectly adequate.

A full charge from zero takes around four hours, but bear in mind you’ll hardly ever be charging from completely flat, so shorter times are more realistic.

Charging is via a standard three-pin socket and a socket in the side of the bike.

The battery comes with a reassuring three-year warranty.

On board, the ride position is relaxed and comfortable with a long and well-padded cafe-racer type seat.

There’s a round retro/modern, backlit, colour clock with a rather unnecessary rev counter across the top and a LCD panel with speed, charge level etc.

As with all electrics, the acceleration is instantaneous and impressive.

At just 134kg, this bike is light and it feels agile, manageable and nippy – perfect for the urban jungle.

With low-down weight, a decent aluminium chassis and an excellent turning circle, the CR6 handles extremely well.

The non-adjustable USD forks and preload-adjustable rear monoshock do a perfectly reasonable job.

And braking via a front 265mm disc and three-piston caliper and rear 220mm is plenty powerful enough.

The headlight is a nice bright LED and the “tank” is actually a lockable storage compartment, ideal for the charge cable, gloves etc.

It also contains a USB port – handy for charging your phone.

At five grand, the CR6 is obviously a bigger initial outlay than a petrol 125, but running costs work out at just a penny a mile.

Overall then, the Horwin is a solid little city commuter, easy to ride, with good looks and decent performance.

Specs:
Horwin CR6
Motor: Air-cooled electric
Max power: 8bhp
Max torque: 30ft lb
Colours: White; blue; green; black
Price: £4,992

by Gary Gastelu from  https://www.foxnews.com

1968 motocross bike valued at $100,000.

Motorcycle enthusiast Steve McQueen owned dozens of bikes over the years, but a few are more special than others. This 1968 Husqvarna Viking 360 was the first of the brand’s bikes owned by Steve McQueen. (RM Sotheby’s).

McQueen had a particular penchant for Husqvarna motorcycles, like the one he rode in the “On Any Sunday” documentary, and one is coming up for auction at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey, Calif., event on August 13.

It’s not just any Husqvarna, but the first one he ever owned.

His Solar Productions movie company purchased the 1968 Viking 360 from Swedish motocross rider Bengt Åberg just after he competed in a race on it in California.

The single-cylinder two-stroke was fully restored in 2014 and remains in mint condition, so its next owner will have to decide if they want to chance messing it up to find out what it’s like to ride in McQueen’s riding boots.

RM Sotheby’s estimates the Husky could sell for up to $100,000, which is a far cry from the millions that many of McQueen’s cars have sold for, but quite a lot for a dirt bike.