Kawasaki updates entire motorcycle line for '09

Kawasaki has pulled the covers off its new motorcycle line for '09, and there's lots to discuss. A revised, lithe ZX-6R sheds about 20 pounds, much of it from the engine itself. It also gets updated Showa Big Piston forks and a new look based on its big brother, the ZX-10R. Speaking of which, Kawi's literbike sees only a few changes for '09, most notably a new green, white and black color scheme that looks excellent....

First Automated Motorcycle Wash Opens

With so many nooks and crannies for road filth to hide in, washing a motorcycle can be a tedious task. So consider us intrigued in Moto Express Wash, reportedly the country’s only fully-automated bike washing system.According to its builders, this Indianapolis car wash system can wash and dry a motorcycle in five minutes, and the prototype machine even automatically rotates the wheels to ensure all of the bike's spokes...

2009 R1 with crossplane firing order

As is often the case when one of the big four Japanese bike manufacturers introduce a new literbike, there's way too many new features and detail improvements for us to include in a write-up. For the '09 Yamaha R1, though, there are some huge differences which are sure to become major talking points over the next few months. For starters, Yamaha is now the first manufacturer to move its modified firing order technology...

10th Anniversary Victory Vision sells out in 7 minutes

The classic touring bike style has seen only minor revisions since the 1940s or so, but that doesn't mean something spicy and different can't shake up the segment from time to time, as proven by the Victory Vision. Introduced last year, the Vision sports futuristic styling that's also very effective at keeping the wind and elements at bay -- exactly what you want from a long-legged steed. That the Vision is equipped...

Honda announces new CBR600RR and CBR1000RR Fireblade for U.K.

When it was introduced in 2008, the brand-new Honda CBR1000RR, known as Fireblade across the pond, won accolades from the the press and regular riders alike. Considering its market domination over the last year, we wouldn't be surprised if Honda simply left things pretty much alone for '09. There is one new feature, though, and it's a biggie: optional ABS brakes. This will be the first application of anti-lock brakes...

Roger Goldammer: Is familiar with the bicycle building official world champion

There seems to be a new trend in custom bike building, and it's one we're happy to see.The best designers are creating machines meant to be ridden and to perform better than anything else available, and this year's winner of the Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building proves this. Roger Goldammer creates stunning designsyet he doesn't let his creations sit in a corner collecting dust. Rather, his winning...

2009 Harley-Davidson CVO models

There is no doubting that Harley-Davidson motorcycles have stood the test of time. Though sales of both mainstream and higher-end models from The Motor Company are down, Harley-Davidson has seen fit to continue its line of factory custom models. Custom Vehicle Operations offers complete models featuring Screaming Eagle parts.HD has no problems selling its entire allotment of CVO SE bikes each year despite their high...