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Moto Guzzi Teams With AMA Grand Tours to Present Inaugural “Motor Guzzi Grand Tour of Italy”

Unique New Program Celebrates Brand’s 87 year Heritage.

Moto Guzzi USA recently announced that it has joined forces with American Motorcyclist Association Grand Tours in the establishment of the inaugural “Moto Guzzi Grand Tour of Italy in America,” an innovative program which celebrates the passion of this important Italian motorcycle brand.

Running from April through November, “Grand Tour of Italy” provides motorcycle owners with the opportunity to earn points by visiting Moto Guzzi dealerships, events, rallies and other Italian-themed locations throughout the United States.

Unlike similar events, the “Grand Tour of Italy” offers entrants a unique opportunity to chart their own, individual course, and, in true Italian cruising style, take to the road at their own pace. Riders are required to visit the predetermined sites with their own motorcycle, and document each stop with a photo, providing proof that they reached each destination. Participants earn one point for home state visits, two points for stops in adjoining states and three points for distant destinations, such as the Moto Guzzi National Owners Club rally, scheduled for June 24 to 26 in stunning Malibu, California.

Once the touring season ends, competitors with 25 points or more will earn a commemorative pin, and entrance into a special sweepstakes offer of a 2008 Moto Guzzi Norge 1200, the “Grand Turismo of the 21st century.” Heralded by the international motorcycling community, the Norge 1200 boasts an elegant and dynamic design, as well as superb ergonomics and comfort.

Additional sweepstakes winners will also receive “motociclista style” wearables from Moto Guzzi’s new line of retro-flavored sweaters and modern riding gear designed for the serious rider.

“Moto Guzzi owners are truly passionate about their legendary motorcycles,” said Brand Manager Rick Panettieri. “This Grand Tour of Italy in America will provide riders with an opportunity to truly chart their own course, visit new places and meet interesting people. We are looking forward to a great turnout and the opportunity to celebrate our rich, Italian heritage.”

To register, visit www.amadirectlink.com and download an entry form and official rules. Registrants will receive a free Moto Guzzi towel, collectible pin, and a coupon that can be redeemed for a new Moto Guzzi hat.

ITALY’S OLDEST VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE RALLY COMES TO CALIFORNIA IN JULY 2008

The legendary Italian names: Piaggio’s Vespa and Moto Guzzi have joined the most famous vintage road rally on two wheels, the Motogiro America, as main sponsors. Departure is scheduled for July 13, 2008 from Monterey’s historic Cannery Row and stops include: Paso Robles and a lap on the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in honour of the MotoGP Championship.

The eagle of Mandello del Lario has landed.

La dolce vita comes to California. “We are excited to announce that two Italian legends: Moto Guzzi and Vespa have joined the Motogiro America as main sponsors,” said David M. Gross, founder of Dream Engine, the Bologna-based entertainment company that is organizing the “Motogiro America” scheduled for July 2008.

“This summer expect to see legions of vintage, customized, collectable and modern Vespas and Moto Guzzis roaring down the roads of the Monterey Peninsula,” said Paolo Timoni, CEO of Piaggio Group Americas Inc., “I know that Vespa and Moto Guzzi clubs are very excited to participate in the first ever Motogiro in America.”

“These two great marquees helped put Italian motorcycling on the map in America,” said Gross, “Moto Guzzi has a long established and glorious history in North America and who cannot appreciate the iconic, original beauty of the Vespa – the two wheels that practically invented “la dolce vita” – a lifestyle tradition that continues right on through today.”

Motogiro America is supported by ANCMA, the Associazione Nazionale Ciclo Motociclo Accessori, the Italian Trade Commission of Los Angeles, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, The City of Monterey, and leading companies in the Italian motorcycle industry. Cycle World and Moto-Euro are media sponsors.

“Motogiro America brings all of the most exciting aspects of Italian industry and culture – creativity, dynamism, competitive spirit, technical innovation and a dose of real torque to California this summer,” said Paola Bellusci, the Italian Trade Commisioner based in Los Angeles, “American enthusiasts and fans of Piaggio, Moto Guzzi and Vespa will taste the excitement of motorcycling and scooters in true Italian style.”

Motogiro America, a classic motorcycle timed-tour, covers more than one hundred miles each day during its five-day route and explores the Monterey Peninsula’s twisting country roads, challenging mountain passes and spectacular Pacific panoramas.

Motogiro America 2008 will kick-off a full week of motor sports excitement on the Monterey Peninsula leading up to MotoGP weekend at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Events begin on Friday July 11th with a symposium on Italian design and a vintage motorcycle Concours D’Elegance and welcome dinner on Saturday July 12th. On Sunday July 13th, participants will depart from the heart of historic Monterey – Cannery Row – and head for the Mazda Raceway – where they may ride a lap of honour. Many of the original Motogiro racers from Italy will attend.

The tour is open to motorcycles of all marques and is divided into categories: Vintage Racing Class, Touring Class, Super 70s Class, Super Sport Class and Scooter Class.

The Vintage Racing Class features the motorbikes that define the Motogiro. With an overall limit of 120, this class features motorbikes with a maximum of 175cc manufactured before 1957. Bikes inspired by original Motogiro bikes yet manufactured subsequent to 1957 may also apply. The Vintage Racing Class motorbikes will be subject to timed, competitive ability tests en route, and the winner of this class will take home a trophy and grand prize. A limited number of vintage bikes will be available for rent specifically for the occasion. Queries should be directed to Dream Engine.

The Touring Class will follow the same itinerary as the other two classes and is open to bikes of all makes from all years. This class is suited to those who wish to live the excitement of the Motogiro on a relaxed, non-competitive level.

The Super 70s Class welcomes all motorbikes of all makes manufactured between 1968 and 1979 including twins, singles and multi cylinder machines not to exceed 1000cc. Riders in this class will be subject to timed, competitive ability tests en route similar to those carried out by participants of the Vintage Racing Class.

Super Sport Class The SS class open to 250 cc motorcycles and sidecars of all makes, built up to 1968.

Scooter Class Scooters will have their own special Motogiro America class to celebrate the more than one hundred versions of the iconic scooter produced during the last half century. 

For collectors of vintage bikes and motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere, the Motogiro America 2008 is the chance to create an electric atmosphere of Italian competition, camaraderie and adventure. Motogiro America is a glimpse of the past brought dynamically to life for today’s motorcycle enthusiast.

www.motogiroditalia.com

JASON LEE & GIOVANNI RIBISI TO PRESENT ELVIS AWARD AT LEGEND OF THE MOTORCYCLE

Motorcycles and rock ‘n’ roll have always gone hand in hand, each representing a spirit of rebellion, self-expression and freedom. To celebrate this spirit and pay tribute to a music legend who loved motorcycles, the exclusively licensed Elvis Award, proudly sponsored by Lucky Brand Jeans, will once again be presented at the upcoming Legend of the Motorcycle Concours and will be conferred by actors, rock ‘n’ roll aficionados and motorcyclists Jason Lee and Giovanni Ribisi.

Friends and riding partners Jason Lee (My Name Is Earl, Vanilla Sky, The Ballad of Jack & Rose) and Giovanni Ribisi (Flight of the Phoenix, Gone In 60 Seconds, Cold Mountain) will select and present the special award for the bike they feel best represents the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll out of a field of over 250 rare and historic motorcycles spanning over a century of history and popular culture.

Furthermore, Lee will unveil his custom motorcycle, the Bullet Falcon, on Concours morning with builder Ian Barry of Falcon Motorcycles.

Says Lee, “I’ve always been into motorcycles, having ridden dirt bikes as a kid, but as I got older I became fascinated with vintage British and Japanese bikes. When I saw a photo of an old Reading Standard board track racer I knew I wanted to build something as beautiful and unique, and I knew the only person for the job was Ian. I never could’ve imagined how incredible the end result would be.”

Lee has a small but substantial collection of rare motorcycles. He’s not just a collector, but also a daily rider. One day pal and fellow actor Ribisi showed up on a custom Triumph that Lee couldn't get out of his mind, so he arranged to meet with it's builder, Ian Barry. Barry had been dreaming up ideas to build bikes not unlike the one Jason was envisioning, so it was a meeting of minds and the year-long process of building the Bullet Falcon began.

Lee, Ribisi, Barry, the Bullet Falcon and the Elvis award will all come together in just ten days from now at the third annual Legend of the Motorcycle on Saturday, May 3rd in Half Moon Bay, California (just south of San Francisco). For tickets and more information on this unique world event, visit: LegendoftheMotorcycle.com.

For signature clothes rooted in motorbikes and rock ‘n’ roll, check out LuckyBrandJeans.com.

To learn more about the creations of Falcon Motorcycles and its founders, Ian Barry and Amaryllis Knight, go to: FalconMotorcycles.com.

Speech of Hendrik von Kuenheim General Director BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad Media Talk 2008
The Future of BMW Motorrad – Hendrik von Kuenheim talks to the media
Showcases the new S 1000 RR

I also bid you a very warm welcome here today. This is indeed the first time I am addressing you in my new function as the President of BMW Motorrad. Some of you already know me however from my former activities – my last position was the President of BMW Spain.

I joined BMW about 20 years ago and over the years I have gained a great deal of experience in international car and motorcycle sales. Now I am happy to invest this experience in BMW Motorrad, helping to shape the future of BMW’s motorcycle business.

At BMW as well as at Husqvarna Motorcycles, we are working all-out on a whole series of fascinating projects. We are in the middle of a broad-based model initiative.

It is essential that this model initiative is turned into a success story over the next few years. It is our objective to expand the motorcycle business significantly and to achieve profitable growth....

Click here to read the full article (PDF)

Munich to Bangkok

As the customer launch of the new F 800 GS draws even closer, riders all over the world are thinking about the kind of places that BMW Motorrad’s latest enduro could take them to and wondering if the new middleweight sports twin will be the bike on which they plan their first Big Trip.

One rider fortunate enough to already be quite a long way ‘down the road’ with his own special plan is Sebastian Klein, who will be leaving Germany in May for a seven-month enduro trip on an F 800 GS that will see him travel 15,500 miles from Munich to Bangkok.

Sebastian’s plan for his voyage of discovery is to plot an off-road focussed route wherever possible, which will keep him ‘off the beaten track’, away from the tourists and put him in contact with the local population wherever he rides.

“I’m not sure exactly where I’m going just yet, but for sure my journey will take me through many countries, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Burma, on my way to Thailand. My plan is to experience adventure at its most basic, so there will be no support vehicle or satellite phone for me, just a few small pieces of luggage and my bike gear – I can’t wait!”

Sebastian had his first taste of motorcycle adventure in 2005, when he did his first big trip on a motorcycle – a five-month, 4,300 mile ride through Central America on a lightweight single-cylinder enduro bike that took him through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. After experiencing the fascinating and diverse terrain that can be explored with an enduro bike, encountering different cultures and amazing hospitality wherever he went, Sebastian was “hooked” and was determined to get back in the saddle again, but first there was the small matter of a university degree to complete…

“Although I have been working at BMW Motorrad in the International Marketing and Strategy Department, I am also a sports-economics student,” said Sebastian, who counts motocross, snowboarding, mountain biking and football among his favourite leisure activities. “I am currently finishing my university thesis and as soon as this is complete, I will be setting off.”

As part of his role with BMW Motorrad, Sebastian is fortunate to have already ridden plenty of miles on the new F 800 GS, as well as the F 650 GS, as he was part of a team that did some early testing with both bikes. The off-road fanatic – who has always owned enduro bikes and rides on motocross tracks with his BMW colleagues whenever he can – was also fortunate enough to be picked for a special assignment earlier this year when he was one of the riders selected for a BMW film shoot in Uruguay.

“We had a fantastic time out in Montevideo with the F 650 GS and F 800 GS and the results of this shoot will be seen soon enough. It was great to ride both of these bikes in their natural environment, but I can’t wait to get out on my own F 800 GS in May. I realize that some parts of this trip will be hard work but with the F 800 GS, I’m sure that I’ll be able to get just about anywhere!”

Enduro fans will be able to follow Sebastian’s progress on BMW Motorrad’s Enduro World website (www.bmw-motorrad.com/enduroworld) which will be regularly updated with travelogues and video podcasts. Sebastian will also be setting up his own website (www.seppotage.com) which will feature a regular ‘blog and satellite tracking information.

Resident Evil on the streets

Resident Evil: Extinction – the third installment in the multi-million dollar grossing trilogy from Constantin Film that has been a box-office success on big screens around the world – is now the latest must-have DVD for fantasy horror fans.

D&D Cycles, from Pensacola, Florida will compete in select Formula Extreme races and the AHRMA Sound of Thunder series with Robert McClendon III. Having won the AHRMA Triumph Thruxton Cup Championship the last two years in a row, Robert is no stranger to winning on Triumph motorcycles. Rob has the most experience of all three teams on the Daytona 675, finishing last year’s Daytona 200 on a completely stock Triumph Daytona 675 in the top 25.

Available in DVD, High Definition (HD), Blu-ray and even PlayStation Portable (PSP) formats, Resident Evil: Extinction stars Hollywood actress Milla Jovovich and also features BMW Motorrad’s 163 hp BMW K 1200 R.

When it was launched the 163 hp, four-cylinder K 1200 R was the most powerful naked motorcycle available – the perfect bike on which to save the world. Its raw blend of muscular looks, aggressive styling and gut-wrenching acceleration set the naked roadster apart from any previous BMW motorcycle.

To mark the cinema release of Resident Evil: Extinction in October last year, BMW Motorrad Australia commissioned a Resident Evil K 1200 R showbike. Its stunning paintwork design was originally conceived by a BMW Motorrad project team based in Munich and then ‘brought to life’ by talented artist Georg Huber – who is renowned for his unique airbrushing techniques and unusual custom designs.

The bike has been seen at motorcycle shows, BMW Motorrad dealerships and other events ‘Down Under’, but to coincide with the release of Resident Evil: Extinction on DVD, the ‘Zombie Violence’ machine was sent out on to the streets of Australia. No more static displays, the full power of the dynamic Roadster was unleashed.

“The K 1200 R in its striking RE3 livery cut a powerful sight as it prowled the inner city streets and cruised magnificent motorcycling roads. It’s a great bike and wherever it went it was a magnet,” said local journalist Damien Cook. “Whether parked or on the move the RE3 machine stopped people in their tracks. It was a huge hit – especially with the younger fans of the Resident Evil series. They could not get enough of the bike, using their phones to send images to their friends and taking it in turns to have their photo taken while sitting on the bike.”

The Resident Evil: Extinction movie and DVD has been a big hit worldwide, and can be purchased by visiting quality online retailers, such as Amazon.

Triumph America announces a return to professional racing

Following on the factory support of the famous Stefano Caracchi’s World Super Sport team, many of the Triumph subsidiaries have chosen to back race teams in their respective countries. Along with professional teams competing in Italy, Germany, Britain and the World Super Sport championship, Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. has officially announced support for three of its U.S. based dealers and their professional road racing efforts with the award winning Daytona 675.Commonwealth Triumph/Team S-Works, from Louisville, Kentucky will compete in the Formula Extreme series with eighteen year old, Shane Narbonne. Coming from a successful dirt track career, Shane has only been road racing for one season and has already claimed a number of regional championships in the CCS series.

Foothills Triumph, from Lakewood, Colorado will compete in the regional MRA series with Brad Hendry. Brad is an experienced racing champion, and looks forward to a successful year of winning in a number of classes in the MRA. Brad and the Foothills Roadracing Team will spend most of their season competing in regional events in the Colorado area.

Aprilia Unveils RSV 4 ‘Race Machine’ in Milan

The Aprilia RSV 4 “Race Machine” is unveiled for the first time.

The Aprilia Superbike, the bike which from 2009 will bring the Noale based company back to four-stroke racing, has been unveiled for the first time during the Piaggio Group Convention in Milan.

After the success in the 2007 World Championships with Aprilia riders and bikes dominating the 125 and 250 classes (winning all four titles, a repeat of the 2006 performance), the Veneto company gave a preview of the eagerly awaited RSV 4 “Race Machine”.

An extraordinary preview to a privileged audience of more than 1,200 dealers attending the International Piaggio Group Convention.

Four cylinders, 1000 cc, power of well over 200 HP in the race version, the new bike due to make its road debut by the end of 2008 will mark Aprilia's return to the World Superbike Championship in the 2009 season.

The Aprilia RSV 4 is driven by the most revolutionary and powerful engine ever built by Aprilia. A four-cylinder one litre 65° V engine -a layout making it unique among all the world's production engines -in which the most sophisticated engine engineering is combined with top quality materials and the most advanced electronic control technology.

The Aprilia engine in fact uses integral ride-by-wire technology, opening up new frontiers in managing such a powerful engine, with almost infinite possibilities for controlling power output and traction.

The Aprilia RSV 4 is driven by the most revolutionary and powerful engine ever built by Aprilia. A four-cylinder one litre 65° V engine -a layout making it unique among all the world's production engines -in which the most sophisticated engine engineering is combined with top quality materials and the most advanced electronic control technology.

The Aprilia engine in fact uses integral ride-by-wire technology, opening up new frontiers in managing such a powerful engine, with almost infinite possibilities for controlling power output and traction.