Episode 49 - Oct 17, 2010

Ok, this is the last week we rag on the VFR. Really. I mean… we’ll try. But seriously, the VFR is rumored to be getting a big trailie sibling. That’ll be interesting to see. Right?

We talk about how the EPA nerfs bench racing the ZX-10R, but the good news is no one will notice. I mean… who’s gonna wind that thing up that high, right?

Triumph continues to be Triumph, and this time they’re doing it with a cruiser – giving away thousands of dollars worth of touring upgrades to the Bonne America. Speaking of Triumph, James talks about his test ride on the Sprint GT and by the sounds of it, one is headed for his garage soon

Suzuki gets tricky with pricing on the GZ250, their entry level cruiser-esque bike. Looks like they’re blowing out old stock.

Did we mention Triumph? ‘cause we get to see pictures of the upcoming 800 twin in its dirty clothes. Look out F800… The Tiger’s got its eye on your lunch!

Guzzi updates the Norge/GT with suspenders and an engine update. Is this the first of the “full line revamp” we talked about a few weeks ago? Or is this maybe Guzzi parts-binning some updates on it before a big change…? Stay tuned. Great things could be headed our way from Carlo’s legacy.

We’ll depress you with crappy sales numbers, then lighten the mood with helmets, pictures and contests. We’re like your cranky bipolar uncle, like that.

Colleen gets the nod for the tool kit contest, with Sara getting a runner up mention. Rock on Sara! Craig… loved your kit, but hey… Barbie box. ‘nuff said.

Stay tuned for more contest news, product reviews and more news about the upcoming video offerings. Big things in store!

• Seasonal RF1100  update
• It’s Official. ZX-10R gets HP decrease for the US market
  • http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/official-2011-kawasaki-zx-10r-gets-lower-redline/
• 2011 America Classic Touring
  • http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/13568.htm
• Sprint ST vs. Sprint GT
  • James discusses his Sprint GT test ride
  • weight difference (st – 530, gt – 590)
  • It appears the GT fully replaces the ST for 2011-
• Suzuki drops the price of the GZ250 a full $1000 dollars, bringing it under $3k!
  • http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/suzuki-gz250-price-drop-under-3-k
• First official pic of the Tiger 800
  • http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/10/first-official-photo-of-triumph-tiger-800-xc/
• Rumored big trailie from Honda based on the VFR1200
  • http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/10/shamu-2-the-revenge-of-the-whale/
• Guzzi appears to be updating the Norge quite nicely
  • http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2011-moto-guzzi-norge-gt-8v-preview
• Web Bike World reports that Q1/Q2 of 2010 roughly 17% down from Q1/Q2 of 2009
  • http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-news/statistics/motorcycle-sales-statistics.htm
  • Harley’s numbers are roughly 15% down, same article. The US’s “Heavyweight” sales are down 14.7% overall.
• HJC releases the RPS-10 which seems to slot in nicely to compete with the new Shoei Qwest
  • http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/hjc/rps-10/

This week, fresh off the PodCamp Philly afterglow, Chris & James talk about Kawasaki. Some little bits of news… new bikes, awesome bikes, fast bikes, powerful bikes, pretty bikes… you know, more of the same old same old.

There are a few other things, too… like a four wheel motorcycle that seems to make far more sense than the Tomahawk, a naked Gixxer, a sport-tour dressed Bandit breaks into the US market place.. wait, wasn’t Suzuki out of business last year?

Those whacky Germans join the lid race in the US – Schuthbert comes back not only with helmets, but with a whole factory! Right here in the US of A! Madness, I tell you! Chris is still convinced this is the harbinger of great and wonderful things – that the US will finally see motorcycles as something more than hooligan toys. But James and his pesky reality squash those dreams.

Oh… there’s some Kawasaki news, too.

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Links to awesomeness

• Holy. Crap. Finally a real sport bike without torture rack ergos??? Kawasaki Ninja 1000
  • http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=42073
• Suzuki makes updates to some Gixxers (Provided by Chris Harr). Not bad for a company that was “going out of business” last year.
  • http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=42231
• Official specs on the Kawasaki ZX10
  • Thanks to listener Chris Harr for the PDF
  • http://thepacepodcast.com/images/zx10r_specs.pdf
• Quadro 4D
  • http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/09/quadro-4d-rides-like-two-wheels-but-has-traction-like-four/
• W800 get official complete with a drum in the back…
  • http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/10/kawasaki-w800-a-bigger-retro/
• And from the “More bikes we’ll probably never see” category – the GSR750.
  • http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/October/oct0410-suzuki-gsr-750-revealed/
• GSX1250FA replaces the Bandit 1250S in the U.S.
  • http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_news/first_looks_articles/10q4/2011_suzuki_motorcycles_unveiled_in_las_vegas_-_first_look
• Schuberth returns to the USA – this time with a full factory, not just importers.
  • Article and 3 minute factory tour video – http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/378/8051/Motorcycle-Article/Schuberth-Helmets-Factory-Tour.aspx
  • http://www.schuberth.com/en/products/motorcycle/j1.html

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