Nov. 2, 2009 – Motorcycle Digest

Honda introduces new sport bike
The VFR1200F’s technology is just one reason it’s “one of the most exciting motorcycles in Honda’s history,” said Honda’s Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino in a company press release.
“The VFR1200F establishes a whole new definition of performance motorcycling, one that taps into Honda’s rich V-4 VFR heritage and extends it into the future of Honda motorcycling.”
Features of the 2010 VFR1200F include Honda MotoGP’s engine technology and architecture, a 1237cc liquid-cooled 76-degree V-4 engine, Unicam valvetrain, an optional dual clutch automatic transmission with manual mode and automatic mode with two D/S modes and paddle-style shifters as well as a Honda slipper clutch in the manual-shift and GP technology layer-concept aero fairing.
The bike is expected to be available at Honda dealers in the spring.

Metric motorcycle exports to U.S. fall sharply in August
Metric OEMs shipped far fewer new motorcycles to both the United States and Canada in August compared to the year-ago month.
Bike exports to the United States totaled 4,732 in August, down 81 percent from the year-ago month, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), which includes Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
Motorcycle exports to Canada declined nearly 60 percent as 862 bikes were shipped there compared to more than 2,100 a year ago.
Metric exports to North America have been below 2008 levels throughout the summer.

BMW’s worldwide August sales decrease 14.4 percent
BMW’s worldwide motorcycle sales in August followed its year-long trend of falling short of 2008.
BMW’s sales were down 14.4 percent compared to the year-ago month. The company’s worldwide motorcycle sales in August totaled 5,423. Information on North American sales was not available.
For the year, BMW motorcycle sales have totaled 62,001, a 15 percent decline from a year ago.

Motorcycle deaths rose nationally in 2008
Annual motorcycle fatalities in the United States continued to climb upward in 2008, a national study finds.
Motorcycle deaths rose 2 percent last year compared to 2007 while overall transportation fatalities decreased nearly 10 percent, according to preliminary figures recently released by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Motorcycle fatalities, which numbered 5,290, have been increasing annually since 1998.
Overall U.S. transportation fatalities numbered more than 39,000 in 2008.

MV Agusta unveils two new models
MV Agusta revealed two new models for 2010:?the Brutale 990R and 1090RR.
With U.S. prices set at $15,000 for the Brutale 990R and $18,000 for the Brutale 1090RR, MV Agusta is unveiling the 2010 naked bikes for the first time at the famed Misano Autodromo circuit in Italy.
“With the unveiling of the new Brutale 990R and 1090RR, MV Agusta looks forward to once again showing the world why the company continues to be one of the most respected names in the motorcycle industry,” MV Agusta Director of U.S. Operations Larry Ferracci said in the release. “The launch of the new Brutale models marks a revolution for the MV Agusta brand as it moves forward producing motorcycles echoing the spirit of its Italian heritage while also demonstrating the highest quality of manufacturing.”

KTM expands youth development programs
KTM is expanding its presence in youth development programs both nationally and internationally, reported the company.
KTM has decided to adjust its motorsport strategy in road racing for the coming racing season. It’ll continue to place a main focus on its supported program, the Red Bull Rookies Cup, in the context of the MotoGP-World Championship.
KTM also wants to support especially selected racing teams in Germany and Austria (IDM Germany) to make 125ccm racing machines available to young riders.
In keeping with its “Ready to Race” philosophy, KTM will also strengthen its racing activity with the RC8 R, the Superbike flagship of the asphalt model range. KTM, however, is withdrawing from the 125 ccm Grand Prix World Championship.

Fischer Motor increases sport bike production
American sport bike manufacturer Fischer Motor Co. of Pocomoke City, Md., has announced a production increase for the 2010 MRX Sport motorcycle.
After shipping its first production units this summer, Fischer has been receiving orders at an increasing rate.
“We always knew that once people discovered the value of the MRX, we wouldn’t be able to build them fast enough,” says Fischer president Dan Fischer, “and even though we’re increasing production, we’re still a very small company.”

Husqvarna hits major production milestone
Just days after celebrating the inauguration of a new headquarters/R&D facility, Husqvarna Motorcycles hit a major production milestone Oct. 2, as the 25,000th motorcycle was produced in the Biandronno factory in northern Italy.
The milestone was hit two years to the day since BMW acquired the historic brand and gave Husqvarna a fresh start.
“I am very happy to celebrate another nice event just a few days after the inauguration of our new Headquarters and R&D Center,” Rainer Thoma, president of Husqvarna Motorcycles, said in a press release. “This underlines the dynamic nature of the company. We now have the ability to create and build attractive new products at the highest level of quality and performance.”