Come watch a Dakar bike being built in Duncan (BC)

Compliments of canadianmotorcyclerider.ca (check them out for the latest industry news)

Don Hatton, Canada’s own international motorcycle racer, would like to invite the public to come and watch the creation of his new KTM690 race bike being built in Duncan BC.

Don has hired KTM factory trained motorcycle mechanic Bernie Wright to come to Duncan Motorsports, Don’s motorcycle shop in Duncan BC, to build the new race bike. They have opened a part of the shop to allow the public to view and talk to Bernie while he performs the upgrades necessary for the KTM to survive the grueling 14 day Dakar race.

Bernie was the mechanic on the Dessert Rose team that Don was riding with in his recently successful completion of the 2009 NPO Shamrock Rally de Maroc (Rally of Morocco). Bernie was also the team mechanic in Don’s two previous Dakar attempts.

We all look forward to meeting Bernie and watching the transformation of the KTM 690 Rally bike into a true Dakar contender.

The location of Duncan Motorsports is:

1603 Canada Ave

Duncan BC, V9L 1V2

Ph: 250-716-7148

For more information and photos check out

www.destinationdakar.com

 The second notable Ducati model unveiled in Milan this evening is the Hypermotard 1100EVO, and its higher-spec brother the Hypermotard 1100EVO SP. Both are significantly updated versions of the original Hypermotard; producing more power and reducing weight from the previous generation. This is thanks to significant engine and chassis development.
 
Pricing for the Hypermotard 1100EVO will be $11,995 in the US, $14,995CDN in Canada, and $13,995 in Mexico.
 
Pricing for the Hypermotard 1100EVO SP will be $14,495 in the US, $17,495CDN in Canada, and $16,995 in Mexico.

Yamaha Hybrid Motorcycle ICE+electric

SEE http://www.canadianmotorcyclerider.ca/  FOR COMPLETE ARTICLE

Yamaha presented their new hybrid motorcycle prototype dubbed the HV-X at the 2009 Tokyo motor show. A feature that makes this hybrid unique when compared to say Piaggio's MP3 hybrid is the fact that it uses electric and gas powered motors in combination to improve acceleration.

The HV-X can be ridden in electric-only via a manual selection. Featuring a liquid cooled 250-cc single, the internal combustion engine shuts down automatically when the vehicle is at a standstill

The 15 kW electric motor is utilized at low speeds and the gas engine kicks in when a little extra torque and speed is needed. The HV-X's electric engine uses a large lithium ion battery.

We enter the 2009-2010 season with a positive outlook supported by robust activity and vigorous support for organized snowmobiling,” the ISMA says in a release.

According to the ISMA, snowmobile registrations in North America were up in 2009 compared to the previous year. Canada saw an 8 percent increase in registered snowmobiles in the 2008-09 season, from 708,490 to 765,275 – a trend that started in 2003. In the United States the gains were more modest. Snowmobile registrations in the U.S. were up 1% from 1,635,361 to 1,652,642. Given the sagging economy, the ISMA is quite pleased by those numbers.

“North American families are snowmobiling more now than ever,” says the ISMA. “They are realizing the fun of snowmobiling and the opportunity to share wonderful experiences with family members and friends.”

Beyond having more registered snowmobiles on the trails, the ISMA says people are logging more miles. The ISMA reports that snowmobilers averaged over 1,300 miles of riding last year, which was a 20% increase from the previous year. The increase in riding and snowmobile registrations, says the ISMA, resulted in strong tourism impact report for snowmobiling. The ISMA says restaurants, motels and related businesses all benefitted from an excellent 2008-2009 snowmobiling season.

“Over $28 billion dollars in economic activity occurred in North America – related to snowmobiling in the 2008-2009 season,” says the ISMA.

If the ISMA is correct, we should also see more young faces on the trail. ISMA survey results show that the average snowmobiler is now one year younger than last year. According to the ISMA, younger folks are joining the snowmobiling family and bringing a renewed level of enthusiasm and confidence to the market.

CANADA ATV CLUBS POSTED FROM   WWW.ATVSOURCE.COM

Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association
9556-82 Ave.
Edmonton, AB T6C 0Z8
Contact: Cal Rakach or Bob Smith
Email: aohva @ shaw.ca
Fax: (780) 439-3713
Info: Established to preserve land access throughout the province of Alberta for ATV and off road motorcycle users. Supports member clubs in access, maintenance, etc.

ATV/BC
1139 12th Street Suite 203
Kamloops, BC V2B 7Z2
Country: Canada
Contact: Elly Pitre
Email: atvbc @ telus.net
Phone: (866) 766-7823
Fax: (250) 554-7824
Info: A provincial association formed to be a voice for all ATVers in BC.  Edorsing the responsible, environmentally friendly and safe riding of ATVs' through out the Province of British Columbia.  Membership in one of the many member Clubs of the association has several benefits including a cheaper rate of insurance.  Visit www.atvbc.ca to find out more.
Last Updated: May 22, 2008

ATV Elliot Lake ATV Club
P.O. Box 764
Elliot Lake, ON P5A 1Y0
Country: Canada
Contact: P. Johnston
Email: elatv @ yahoo.com
Info: Elliot Lake's original ATV Club boasting over 100 members. Non-profit, family oriented club enjoying hundreds of miles of rugged trails.

ATV Ontario
126 Ontario Avenue
Elliot Lake, Ontario P5A 1Y2
Country: Canada
Contact: Allison Byles
Email: info @ atvontario.com
Info: ATV Ontario is launching incredible ATV "signature sites" in communities and regions across Ontario. ATV Ontario is committed to promoting safe, responsible and environmentally sensitive riding.

ATV Outdoorsmen
34 Orient Express
Campbells Bay, Quebec J0X1k0
Country: Canada
Contact: Randy Godin
Email: mooseman1 @ sympatico.ca
Info: After moving to Western Quebec in 2002 I have found many local trails in the area for the riding enthusiast to enjoy. Many of the hunting outfitters are willing to rent hunting camps to ATV'ers at reasonable rates. For remote or semi-remote riding in the Pontiac area, Email me or check my web site for reviews of our previously enjoyed rides.

ATV Ontario
1696 Avenue Road Unit 1828
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5M 2K5
Contact: Manfred
Email: davisville @ home.com
Phone: (416) 780-9769

ATV Path Finders
P.O. Box 863
Niverville, MB R0A1E0
Country: Canada
Contact: Kevin Druet Bruce Boucher
Email: contact @ atvpathfinders.net
Phone: (619) 639-9975
Fax: (619) 639-9975
Info: Friendly Manitoba's ATV Community. Serving Manitoba, and South Westeren Ontario.

Bluenose ATV
134 Chester Commons Rd.
RR#1 Chester
Chester, NS B0J-1J0
Country: Canada
Contact: Candace Bremner
Email: bn_atv @ hotmal.com
Phone: (902) 275-3302
Info: N/A
Last Updated: May 22, 2008

Calgary Quad Squad (CQS)
Box 51051
Unit 109-8120 Beddington Blvd. NW
Calgary, AB T3K 3V0
Country: Canada
Contact: Don McKay/Todd Lamond
Email: quadsquad @ nucleus.com
Phone: (403) 226-5579 - (403) 680-3244
Info: The Quad Squad serves ATV enthusiasts throughout the SW Alberta Rockies. Membership in the Quad Squad is open to anyone who recreates in the Ghost-Wiaparous, Burnt Timber/Fallen Timber, C5 (Indian Graves, CNP), and McLean Creek OHV areas. www.ATVFrontier.com "Rebels" forum is our local communication tool. Visit www.quadsquad.ca for more info.
Last Updated: February 25, 2008

Central Ontario ATV Club
8166 Hwy. 26
R. R. #2
Stayner, ON L9Z 1K3
Country: Canada
Contact: President Rhonda Broderick
Email: sales @ jandrcycle.com
Phone: (705) 429-3822
Fax: (705) 429-6543
Info: Central Ontario ATV club is a member of the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs (OFATV) a not for profit volunteer organization building touring trails locally to help create connections provincially.
Last Updated: October 31, 2007

Club Quad Brandon
CP 1008
St-Gabriel-de-Brandon
Canada, QC J0K 2N0
Contact: Luc Desjardins
Email: info @ quadbrandon.com
Phone: (450) 835-9292
Fax: (450) 835-9207
Info: 300 miles of off-road fun in the Lanaudière region. Winter and summer trails. Guides on demands is available.

Coastal Riders ATV Club
General Delivery
Lower L'Ardoise
Richmond County, NS B0E1W0
Country: Canada
Contact: Ewan MacDonald
Email: ewan_mac35 @ ns.sympatico.ca
Phone: (902) 587-2986
Info: A club of 55 members situated on the east coast of Cape Breton Island.
Last Updated: September 1, 2008

Colchester 5 Islands
277 New Brittain RD
Five Islands, NS B0M 1K0
Country: Canada
Contact: David Yorke
Email: davidyorke @ ns.sympatico.ca
Phone: (902) 254-3457
Info: We are located in the Cobiquid Mountains along the beautiful Bay Of Fundy, here in Nova Scotia (CANADA).  We have some nice trails overlooking this shore and go through lots of wooded areas with lakes and brooks a-plenty. Come visit us.
Last Updated: May 22, 2008

Essex County ATV Club Inc.
7075 Eagle Cres.
McGregor, ON N0R1J0
Country: Canada
Contact: Jim O'Neill
Email: jim @ ec-atv.com
Phone: (519) 726-5207
Info: An affiliate club of the OFATV, the Essex County ATV club is building trails on private land in co-operation with property owners willing to allow us access.  Twenty five kilometers of new trails were cut this summer with plans to cut seventy five kilometers within the next twelve months.
Last Updated: November 12, 2007

Fundy ATVenturers
4118
Hwy 236
Kennetcook, NS B0N1Y0
Country: Canada
Contact: Richard Bond
Email: rbond @ scothorn.com
Phone: (902) 362-2932
Fax: (902) 758-3673
Info: ATV club, main goal to Create and Maintain a trail network atv and snowmobile use.
Last Updated: May 27, 2008

Glendaler's Winter Sports Club, The
P.O. Box 2053
Station Main
Cornwall, Ontario K6H 6N8
Country: Canada
Email: dianeschryver @ hotmail.com
Phone: (613) 931-3493
Fax: (613) 931-3493
Info: A Club located in Eastern Ontario with 400 members and by-laws to ride certain roads. We have over 125 km of trail total and about 50 km of which remains open year-round. Our Poker Run event draws 600 people - come join us!

Great Lakes ATV Club Inc.
94 Queen Charlotte Cres
Kitchener, ON N2E 3N6
Country: Canada
Contact: Christine Pitts
Email: info @ glatv.ca
Info: Our club strives to promote safe and responsible recreational riding. We were formed on January 25, 2003 and have appointed a Board of Directors, elected our Executive, and some key committee members. Our By-Laws and Business Plan are now in place.

Isle Madame ATV Riders association
P.O. Box 208
Veteran's Highway
Arichat, NS B0E1A0
Country: Canada
Contact: Clarence Landry
Email: cplandry @ ns.sympatico.ca
Web Site: www.islemadameatvriders.com
Phone: (902) 226-3240
Fax: N/A
Info: One of the most scenic trails in the country. Located on beautiful Isle Madame on the world renonwed Island of Cape Breton Nova Scotia.
Last Updated: February 17, 2009

Johnstown ATV Club
1827 Rooney Rd
Johnstown, ON K0E 1T0
Country: Canada
Contact: Rodney Hurlbert
Email: forum @ johnstownatvclub.org
Info: We are located just off the 401 and the 416 south of Ottawa.  We offer 200+ km of challenging trails. If you like Mud, you will love our trails.  For more information visit our website at www.jatvclub.com.  If you think you have what it takes to challenge our mud, we challenge you to come out and have a blast.
Last Updated: February 07, 2007

Lower Mainland ATV Club
PO Box 79
Milner, BC V0X 1T0
Country: Canada
Contact: Stan Jones
Email: lmatv @ shaw.ca
Phone: (604) 833-QUAD (7823)
Info: The Lower Mainland ATV Club is based out of the Vancouver B.C. Area and ride much of the south western part of the province, mostly mountain trails and logging roads. We are a family oriented club with approximately 480 members.

Marconi Trailblazers
Tower Rd.
Glace Bay, NS B1A 2V7
Country: Canada
Contact: Shane Parsons
Email: marconitrailblazers @ live.com
Info: The Marconi Trailblazers is an ATV Club that has been around for a number of years.  We recently restructured the executive, and members are starting to return.  We plan to have fun run's at the end of every month.  Also new members always welcome & any tourists are more than welcome to ride with us whenever in the area!
Last Updated: March 21, 2008

Metro District ATV Association
P.O. Box 333
Lower Sackville
Nova Scotia, B4C 2T2
Country: Canada
Contact: Donna Seaboyer
Email: donnahiltz @ eastlink.caq
Web Site: N/A
Phone: (902) 864-8730
Fax: N/A
Info: N/A
Last Updated: May 31, 2009

Mid Valley ATV Club
P.O. Box 704
Middleton, NS B0S 1P0
Country: Canada
Contact: Barry Mitchell
Email: barry.mitchell @ ns.sympatico.ca
Web Site: www.midvalleyatvclub.ca
Phone: N/A
Fax: N/A
Info: Our club meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Lawrencetown, NS arena at 7:30 pm.  Our goals are to: ../ Promote the ATV sport in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, ../ Promote a good public image in regard to ATV use, ../ Establish safe ATV trails.
Last Updated: March 30, 2009

Moose Mountain Mudders Inc
Box 1285
Carlyle, Sask S0C0R0
Country: Canada
Contact: Bryan Barsness
Email: robertabarsness @ sasktel.net
Phone: (306) 453-6074
Info: Saskatchewans first incorperated quad club.

Napanee & District ATV Club
59 Centre Street North
Napanee, Ont K7R 1M8
Country: Canada
Contact: Steven Baldwin
Email: medivacsteve @ aol.com
Phone: (613) 354-7120
Info: Promoting safe and responsible recreational ATVing in eastern Ontario on over 600kms. of trails.

New Brunswick ATV Federation Inc.
1925 Hanwell Road, Unit C
Hanwell, NB E3C 1M4
Country: Canada
Contact: Jacques Poirier
Email: nbatving @ nb.aibn.com
Phone: (506) 472-5130
Fax: (506) 472-5140
Info: Represents the best interest of all ATVers in New Brunswick. Visit our website for a listing of our clubs and on-going activities. Représente le meilleur intérèts des amateurs VTT du Nouveau Brunswick. Visitez notre site Web pour voir nos clubs et activités à venir.

Northern Rednecks ATV
Sunnidale St.
Stayner, ON L0M 1S0
Country: Canada
Contact: Brian Laws
Email: lawys23ca @ yahoo.ca
Info: Just a bunch of guys having mid-week and weekend fun!

North Shore ATV Club
275 Greg Rd.
Valley, NS B6L 3N5
Country: Canada
Contact: Jim Geldart
Email: james.geldart @ ns.sympatico.ca
Phone: (902) 895-6716
Info: North Shore ATV Club is located in central N.S with approx. 200km of trails and a new modern club house.
Last Updated: June 1, 2008

North Simcoe ATV Club
456 Edgehill Dr.
Barrie, Ontario L4N 9X5
Country: Canada
Contact: Jim Mckever
Email: info @ nsatv.org
Web Site: www.nsatv.org
Phone: N/A
Fax: N/A
Info: The North Simcoe ATV Club is an OFATV affiliated club founded March 2003. Our goal is to help develop and sustain a trail system throughout Simcoe County and promote the safe and responsible use of ATV's.
Last Updated: May 18, 2009

Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicles (OFATV)
PO Box 38
Ingersoll, Ontario N5C 3K1
Email: info @ ofatv.org
Phone: (705) 797-0797
Fax: (519) 513-0212
Info: The OFATV represents the best interests of all riders in the Province on Ontario.  The OFATV'S top priority is club development.  The OFATV has already developed many key guidelines and policies designed to assist our member clubs throughout their development, while fostering strong partnerships within their communities.  Through the OFATV, ATV clubs have access to these guidelines and policies which are necessary when dealing with other organizations and trail development.  The OFATV also acts as a "voice" for all ATV riders in Ontario and is in constant dialogue with several government inistries.
Last Updated: October 30, 2007

Otter Lake ATV Club
111 Belway place
Otter Lake, Quebec J0X2P0
Country: Canada
Contact: Claude Dubeau
Email: mooseman1 @ sympatico.ca
Info: Otter Lake ATV Club located in Otter Lake Quebec, is a non-profit organization assisting local organizations in events and encouraging safe riding practices. See our webpage for list of upcoming events.

Outlaw ATV Club (Edmonton, AB)
2920 149 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5Y1Z8
Country: Canada
Contact: Steven
Email: whateveer69 @ hotmail.com
Info: The Outlaws are an Edmonton, Alberta and area based ATV club. Looking to have fun and enjoy the sport of quading and the outdoors, then you have come to the right place. We promote responsible riding and stewardship of the areas in which we ride.

Parry Sound ATV District Club
P.O. Box 353
Parry Sound, Ontario P2A 2W9
Country: Canada
Contact: Andrew Ryeland
Email: andrew @ ryeland.com
Phone: (705) 746-9481
Fax: (705) 746-6340
Info: Phenomenal riding opportunities, just 2 hours north of Toronto. Full calendar of events.

Petty Trail Blazers ATV Club Inc.
P.O. Box 2617
Petitcodiac, NB E4Z6H4
Country: Canada
Contact: Danny Constantine
Email: ptbatv @ hotmail.com
Phone: (506) 756-2293
Info: Our purpose is to promote the sport of ATVing and the positive use of ATVs by educating and encouraging our members to always ride respectively, environmentally conscious and by obeying all applicable laws. Proud member of NBATV Federation since 2000.

Pictou County ATV Club
P.O. Box 1280
Westville, NS B0K 2AO
Country: Canada
Contact: Ken MacDonald
Email: kncmacdonald @ ns.sympatico.ca
Web Site: pictoucountyatvclub.piczo.com
Phone: N/A
Fax: N/A
Info: Our Club is located in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Out Club holds it's monthly meeting every second Monday of the month at the New Glasgow Legion at 7:30pm. Old & New Members are welcome to attend. Visit our website for more information on the club!
Last Updated: February 21, 2009

Rocky Mountain Trail Runners
176 Creek Gardens Cl.
Airdrie, AB T4B 2P8
Contact: Dwayne
Email: quadclub @ hotmail.com
Phone: (403) 948-7295
Info: We are brand new family ATV Club in Southern Alberta. We are always looking for new members to come out and enjoy some of the club events. If you would like to join this new club, please contact us. look forward to hearing from other clubs as well.

Run-A-Muck ATV Club
Madoc, ON K0K 2K0
Country: Canada
Contact: Darryl Halliday
Email: docstoy @ hotmail.com
Info: We are a club of approx. 30 individuals who get together all year round to find, challenge and conquer new trails all over Eastern Ontario. We've been together since 1998. If you would like to join our club, there are NO club dues. Our motto has always been. The More, The Merrier. So come join us for lots of fun and laughs and of course ATVing!

Safety Minded ATV Association
Head of St Margarets Bay
15 Station Rd., Module 9, Comp 4.
HRM, Nova Scotia B3Z 1W8
Contact: Mike Marriott
Email: mikemarriott @ eastlink.ca
Phone: (902) 826-7275
Fax: (902) 826-7275
Info: SMATVA is a non-profit association in the St. Margaret's Bay area of Nova Scotia. Our club was started in 1997 and has approximately 100 active members to date. Our clubhouse will accommodate up to 160 people depending on type of function.
Last Updated: June 1, 2008

South Bruce Peninsula ATV Club
2885 3rd Ave. W
Owen Sound, ON N4K 4T1
Country: Canada
Contact: South Bruce Peninsula ATV Club
Email: info @ sbpatvclub.ca
Phone: (519) 371-2383
Info: South Bruce Peninsula ATV Club has joined the Eastern Ontario Trail Alliance
effective January 31, 2007.  Our ATV Club is working closely with the Bruce Grey Trails network to develop approved trails in Bruce County and as well a trail management system.  We meet the second Monday of the month at the Sauble Beach Community Centre at 7:30.  Come out and join the SBPATV Club/EOTA partnership.  We are an enthusiastic group working towards approved ATV trails in the Beautiful Bruce County, as well as our own website.

South Colchester ATV Club
519 hwy #2 RR#2
Brookfield, N.S B0N 1C0
Country: Canada
Contact: Shaun Burke, President.
Email: southcolchesteratv @ yahoo.ca
Phone: (902) 673-2540
Info: Community based group, who's main goal is to promote safe and responsible ATVing  .. As well as maintaining and building a trail system for our club and others around us..
Last Updated: May 22, 2008

TrackShare.com
119 Trudell Bay
Winnipeg, MB R2C 4X6
Country: Canada
Contact: Curtis Berthelette
Email: curtis @ trackshare.com
Info: This site focus's not only on ATV's but everything about the Great Canadian Outdoors. You can Find local trails to ride across Canada, GPS tracks/waypoints and much more.

Vernon ATV Club
179-15401
Kalamalka Lake Rd.
Vernon, BC V1B-1Z3
Country: Canada
Contact: Dennis Webb
Email: denniskwebb @ shaw.ca
Web Site: www.vernonatcclub.ca
Phone: (250) 260-0786
Fax: (250) 545-8837
Info: We are a Member club with ATV/BC.  We enjoy riding the trails and back roads in and around the Okanagan and all parts of BC.  We promote safe and responsible riding and practice Tread Lightly at all times.
Last Updated: March 13, 2009

West Nipissing ATV Club
170 Bourgault Rd.
Sturgeon Falls, ON P2B 1T9
Country: Canada
Contact: Michel Davidson
Email: chair @ wnatvclub.com
Web Site: www.wnatvclub.com
Phone: (705) 753-2862
Fax: N/A
Info: The West Nipissing ATV Club VTT Nipissing Ouest was established to promote the sport of safe and responsible ATV riding as well as to promote the development of dedicated and shared trails and the identification of other trails suitable for ATV riding within West Nipissing and adjoining areas.
Last Updated: October 26, 2008

The Government of Saskatchewan is furthering its commitment to motorcycle safety by introducing a Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program for new motorcycle drivers. The program will come into effect in 2011.

"We're proud to expand the Graduated Driver's Licensing program to include motorcycle drivers," Minister of Crown Corporations Ken Cheveldayoff said. "We know concerns over motorcycle safety are top of mind in Saskatchewan. Last year alone, there were 283 collisions involving motorcycles in Saskatchewan, including five deaths and 221 injuries. We believe the GDL program will help build safe driving skills with our new motorcycle drivers."

Currently, there are no requirements for motorcycle drivers to demonstrate any riding skills to legally ride a motorcycle in Saskatchewan. Residents are able to drive a motorcycle with a learner's licence, with only slightly reduced driving privileges, simply by passing a written knowledge test.

The new program will be similar to the province's current GDL program for passenger vehicles in that it will gradually introduce new motorcycle drivers into the driving environment. Motorcycle drivers will move into higher risk driving situations after gaining experience in lower risk situations.

There will be three stages to the proposed GDL program for new motorcycle drivers - Learner, Novice 1 and Novice 2. As riders pass through these stages, they will see fewer restrictions until they graduate to an experienced "M" endorsed motorcycle licence. If a new motorcycle driver displays good driving experience with no incidents or interruptions, they will graduate to an experienced "M" endorsed licence in 36 months. Any incidents or interruptions will delay this process.

Honda will be the first manufacturer to market a flexible-fuel motorcycle.

The Japanese manufacturer’s Brazilian subsidiary, Moto Honda da Amazonia, will begin accepting orders for the CG150 Titan Mix in mid-March. Brazil is the world’s second highest producer of ethanol and the second largest market for flexible-fuel vehicles at 6.2 million units.

The Titan Mix is equipped with Honda’s Mix Fuel Injection system which allows the motorcycle to use a mixture of bio-ethanol and gasoline fuels. Honda plans to sell 200,000 units annually at a starting price of 6,340 Brazilian real (US$2,769).
According to Honda, 90% of new cars in Brazil use flexible-fuel technology.

Honda claims the Titan Mix is the first motorcycle to be equipped with flexible-fuel technology. In 2007, Magneti Marelli, a subsidiary of the Fiat Group, adapted a Kasinski Seta 125 motorcycle with technology the company uses in flexible fuel cars in Brazil. The adapted Kasinski ran on gasoline and alcohol. At the time, Magneti Marelli announced it would introduce its flexible-fuel motorcycle to the Brazilian market in 2009 but Honda will beat the Italian company to the market with the CG150 Titan Mix.

It is designed to help lessen the severity of injuries caused by frontal collisions, as four crash sensors mounted on the front fork measure the change in acceleration caused by the impact and convey this data to the airbag Electronic Control Unit (ECU). If the calculations performed by the ECU indicate that an airbag deployment is necessary, a signal is sent to the airbag inflator to respond and inflate the airbag. Motorcycle airbags help keep riders safe and are another example of Honda's commitment to Safety for Everyone.

For the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, Honda is dealing out three world-release concept bikes. The most radical is the Honda EVO6, which looks like a stylized Goldwing engine with some snazzy body work. I don't know what those Honda guys are getting paid, but if they roll out a bike like this, bonuses should be in order all around. Take a look at that single sided swingarm with a naked tire in the back, individual exhaust headers, and reversed tube forks up front. We can't wait to bring you shots from the reveal, later in the week. For now you'll just have to settle for one more pic below the fold.

Trail Infrastructure Construction

COHV Applauds the Federal Government Investment in Trails Infrastructure
Toronto, ON – The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV) as a member
of the National Trails Coalition (NTC) is pleased to learn that, in its 2009 budget, the
Government of Canada is injecting $25 million into the construction of trail infrastructure across
the nation. New trail infrastructure provides a safe venue for a variety of trail users and creates a
local economic development opportunity, particularly in rural and northern Canada.
“The National Trails Coalition was founded in 2007 in the belief that trail users and volunteer
trail builders/managers can achieve much more by working collaboratively and supporting each
other’s goals,” stated Bob Ramsay, President of the COHV. “That is the spirit in which we
developed and submitted United for a Stronger Trails System to the Government of Canada and
the announced $25 million in federal funding will significantly increase the level of trail building
in the coming year and it will create a heightened level of cooperation among trail user groups as
they rally behind a common purpose.”
The responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) is of great interest to the COHV, its
member manufacturers such as Arctic Cat, BRP (Can-Am), Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris,
Suzuki, Yamaha, their distributors and the not-for-profit ATV and Off-road motorcycle rider
federations that have developed across the country.
COHV works closely with the national All-Terrain Quad Council of Canada (AQCC), the
national Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) and provincial ATV and off-road
motorcycle rider federations to develop and expand core values through initiatives that offer
solutions to concerns related to respecting private landowner properties, responsible
environmental practices and rider safety and training.
“Our vision and that of our rider clubs and federations is one of a comprehensive linked, multiuse
trail network developed through partnerships with all stakeholders,” commented Ramsay.
“With health and physical fitness being top of mind for most families and for the health care
system in Canada, we believe this is a great opportunity for all stakeholders to prove that being
out on the trails, whether through non-motorized or motorized recreational use, is not only fun
but contributes to individual and family well-being. …/2
COHV Applauds the Federal Government Investment…/2
The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV) is the bilingual, national notfor-
profit trade association that represents the responsible interests of manufacturers and
distributors of all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles in Canada. Together, over three
million Canadians ride an ATV or off-road motorcycle on a regular basis each year. Find out
more at: www.cohv.ca.
 

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. will buy $300 million worth of debt from Harley-Davidson Inc. in exchange for 15 percent interest. Davis Selected Advisers LP, the Motor Company’s largest shareholder, also committed to buy $300 million of debt from the Milwaukee-based company.
The combined $600 million was offered as senior unsecured notes to fund Harley-Davidson Financial Services.

“This offering represents an important next step in executing our stated strategy for funding the lending activities of HDFS,” says Tom Bergmann, chief financial officer of Harley-Davidson Inc. and interim president of HDFS.

Taking advantage of rising interest rates as global credit crunch drives off his competitors, Buffett is arranging private deals with a number of U.S. brands such as, Mars Inc., General Electric Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Obviously Buffett sees long term potential despite the current economic downturn.

Harley gained $1.87, or 16 percent, to $13.73 at 4:02 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading after earlier reaching $14.55, the biggest gain since November 2008. The motorcycle maker has lost about two-thirds of its market value in the past year. Berkshire advanced $1,100, or 1.2 percent, to $90,500.

Harley-Davidson recently reported a fourth-quarter profit decrease of 58 percent due to weaker demand for its motorcycles. The net income of $77.8 million, or 34 cents a share, was the lowest quarterly profit in nine years.
Harley-Davidson is working to cut 1,100 jobs and close three plants to save at least $60 million a year. About 70 percent of the firings will take place this year and the rest in 2010, the company said.
 

Victory Motorcycles is offering a five-year limited warranty on all new Victory bikes.

The limited time offer is valid only in the United States and Canada and does not apply to prior purchases. The transferable warranty program is valid for any new and unregistered Victory Motorcycle and is a full-coverage program inclusive of the whole motorcycle.

Motorcycles sold since Jan. 1 will be retroactively included in the program.

The five-year coverage consists of 48-month Polaristar ESC coverage in addition to the Victory 12-month factory limited warranty for a total of five years. The Polaristar ESC carries a standard $50 deductible with no mileage limitation. The Polaristar ESC will be mailed in six to eight weeks from receipt of purchase.

For 2009, Victory offers 17 models in seven model families: Custom Cruisers, Muscle Cruisers, Low Cruisers, 8-Ball Cruisers, Classic Cruisers, Touring and the Ness Signature Series. Prices range from 13,799 for the Vegas 8-Ball to $28,999 for the limited edition 10th Anniversary Vision Tour.
 

Ford Motors 2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON F150

Ford Motors unveiled the 2010 Harley-Davidson edition F-150 at the Chicago Auto Show this week, combining distinctive Harley-Davidson styling with the best-selling F-150.

This niche market co-branding exercise marks the 14th Harley-Davidson edition of an F-Series truck dating back to 2000. The collaboration between these two companies has produced eight F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250, F-350, and in 2009, the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck. The new 2010 truck is officially the first Harley-Davidson edition truck to be constructed from Ford’s award-winning 2009 F-150 chassis.

“Our successful co-branding, unmatched in the industry, offers customers true specialized truck luxury,” says Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.

Unique features to the HD Edition truck are the front fascia and grille, model-specific badges, sport suspension, a custom premium interior with a limited-edition serialization plate and standard 22-inch polished, forged aluminum wheels, the largest in the F-Series lineup. The paint selection is Tuxedo Black and the first Ford application of Lava, a deep maroon with three-color metal flake.


Ford unveiled its 14th Harley-Davidson edition F-Series truck.

The truck's interior was designed with a prominent Harley-Davidson theme.

“There’s a real tie-in between the truck’s interior and exterior designs,” says Patrick Schiavone, Ford design director. “It’s very much like how some customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a prominent theme that runs through them. That’s how we tie it in with custom bikes.”

The custom luxury truck also ties in the Harley related elements in the smallest of details.

“The theme of the seat was designed to resemble a Harley biker jacket,” says Schiavone. Thematic touches include seat backs with ribbed leather treatments, engraved Harley-Davidson button snaps and even zippered map pockets featuring zippers identical to those on Harley jackets.

The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is equipped with a 5.4L engine rated at 320 hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a sport-tuned exhaust and a top speed of 115 mph. The truck is available with 4x2 or an optional all-wheel drive, which features settings of 4x2, AWD and 4x4 high, unique to the Harley-Davidson edition on the F-150 platform. All 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 models will be SuperCrews.