For those who want to ride upright rather than the standard butts-up crotch-rocket position, the choices are pretty random. Something 30-years old or British or both (gasp). So, it’s a cool development that Honda has now created the NC700, a crossover bike rigged with modern technology like an LCD dash plus optional ABS and an automatic tranny. 60+ MPG is pretty nice, too.
The majority of electric motorcycles look pretty much like a two-wheeled Prius. In contrast, American-made Brutus Motorcycle look like they’ve actually got some balls. With Sport-Cruiser styling, a 100-mile minimum range and 3-hour charge time, they’re taking this whole category a solid step forward.
Those off-duty dads with their expensive, bagged-up Big Twins love to look down on the lowly Sportster. But the reality is, the nimbler, smaller-displacement Sportster is the true cyclist’s bike from H-D. Australia’s Deus Ex Machina makes mean ones. And though this one (like all their bikes) is a one-off custom, they’ll make you exactly what you want. Sportster or otherwise. Just tell them what you’re dreaming of and be ready to lay down your dough. Source
In dark, greasy garages around the world a small but loyal cult has grown up around a lowly, out-moded Chinese motorcycle called the Chang Jiang 750. And Beijing-based wrench-spinners Bandit 9 are now doing some sweet, bare bones CJ 750s. The Magnus has key upgrades to braking and suspension plus a custom tank and other hand-fabbed bits. Do you need one? Just e-mail the dudes. Source
If you dream of taking an epic mission by motorcycle, the roadtrip experts at Harley-Davidson’s Authorized Tours can steer you in the right direction. They offer fully-supported global tours: Europe, Africa, Route 66, Australia and beyond. Now you know.
Custom bike culture is big in Australia and Destino Custom Garage is one of the country’s best builders. They take stock, boring metric cruisers and turn them into works of rideable art like what you see here. One of only four made (and sold by invitation only) the Samurai is built off an unnamed 1100-cc powerplant and absolutely dripping with custom fabbed parts. Source
In addition to the safety of a full head-to-toe leather motorcycling suit, the officially-licensed Stormtrooper and Shadowtrooper suits from Hollywood replica-masters Universal Design, will also serve as a prize-winning Halloween costume for the rest of your life.
The Russian Ural is a long-standing cult classic. This heritage bike brand continues to turn out new versions of their M-70, a WW2-era sidecar model, which was a knock-off of the German BMW R71. This 2011 model blends classic styling with some modern upgrades that make it a legit daily driver. Source
Did you ever think you’d fall in love with a naked streetfighter? Well, that could possibility now be realized. The 2012 MV Agusta Brutale 675 is the latest release from Italy’s most direct Triumph triple rival. The small yet power-packed 3-cylinder 675 motor gives this bike better handling than its British counterpart, the Street Triple R and it’s also a bit cheaper.
The 2012 Ducati 1199 Piangale isn’t really a recreational machine. It’s more of an off-the-lot racer. This new model packs 20 more horses and weighs 20 pounds less than the current 1198 model. The combination of a 360lb. curb weight and 195 horsepower translates to speed that will peel your face off. Surprisingly, the anti-lock braking system is optional. Hold on tight.
