Thundersport to debut Golden Era Superbikes series in 2012

The Golden Era Superbikes series will herald the return of 750cc superbikes of the 1980s and 1990s to UK racetracks. Yes! Awesome!!!

Good news for those with fond memories of bikes like the Ducati 851/888, Kawasaki ZXR750/ZX-7R, Yamaha OW 01/YZF750, Honda RC30/RC45 and the Suzuki GSX-R750 SRAD. Next year, the UK-based Thundersport plan to introduce the Golden Era Superbikes series, where all these machines, as well as 1000cc twins like the Suzuki TL1000S and Honda VTR1000 will be eligible to participate.

2012 Honda Gold Wing announced

Who needs a motorcycle so big and heavy, it comes fitted with an electronically actuated reverse gear?! Some do, apparently, so the Gold Wing has a reverse gear...

Honda, which launched the very first Gold Wing touring bike back in 1975, has just announced the 2012 version. The bike keeps its 1.8-litre six-cylinder fuel-injected engine and box-section aluminium chassis, and new bits include a revised fairing, improved six-speaker audio system, a more efficient and accurate satellite navigation system and latest-generation anti-lock brakes (ABS). There’s even an optional airbag system on the bike, which boosts rider safety by another notch.

Sébastien Loeb gets to grips with the 2011 KTM 1190 RC8 R

Sébastien Loeb with Romanian actress Mihaela Radulescu (above) and with the new KTM RC8 R and his Citroen rally car (below). The man is a seven-time WRC champ!!!

Seven-time World Rally Championship winner, French driver Sébastien Loeb, who currently drives for the Citroën World Rally Team in WRC, is also a big-time sportsbike enthusiast. The reigning WRC champ, who won his first WRC title in 2004 and who has won seven consecutive world championships since then, recently swapped his 2008-model KTM RC8 for a 2011-spec KTM 1190 RC8 R, fitted with Michelin tyres and an Akrapovic exhaust system. Loeb then proceeded to put in some fast laps at the Circuit de la Bresse, in France.

Kevin Schwantz on the Aprilia RSV4 Factory: "It feels pretty good to me!"

Between the BMW S1000RR, MV Agusta F4 and the Aprilia RSV4 Factory, Schwantz says the Italian V4 engine is the best of the bunch...

The Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC is pretty much the current King of litre-class superbikes. Sure, the BMW S1000RR has an even more powerful engine and the Kawasaki ZX-10R’s electronics are said to be a bit more sophisticated, but as an overall package, the RSV4 is hard to beat. We love its styling, compact size and shrieking V4 engine. And with Maxi Biaggi having won the 2010 World Superbikes championship aboard the RSV4, the Aprilia now also has unbeatable racing pedigree.

2012 Piaggio MP3 goes Touring

The 2012 Piaggio MP3 Touring is available in multiple versions and trim levels...

Piaggio have announced a new version of the MP3, their three-wheeled scooter – the MP3 Touring – which features revised styling and which, in addition to its regular line-up of 125cc, 300cc and 400cc engines, is also available with a 500cc engine in ‘Sport’ and ‘Business’ trim. An LT version, which can be ridden by those with a valid passenger car driver’s license, is also available.

BMW Motorrad explains Dynamic Damping Control and other moto-technologies

We wouldn't be surprised if the 2012 BMW S1000RR also gets Dynamic Damping Control, in addition to its ABS, ASC and traction control systems...

For us, the best ‘innovation’ that has come from BMW Motorrad in recent times is their newfound inclination towards building all-out ultra-high-performance motorcycles. After all, until as recently as three years ago, who would have thought BMW would ever build something like the S1000RR, a machine that blew its Japanese and European competition out of the water when it was launched last year.

Dainese D-Air Racing suit sets new standards in motorcycle rider protection

The Dainese D-Air Racing suit, developed with inputs from Valentino Rossi and other MotoGP riders, is the most advanced rider protection system currently available...

The result of more than a decade of development work, the Dainese D-Air racing suit is now available to purchase in Europe. ‘The high-tech suit not only operates as a protection device but it is also an impressive trackday tool. Developed with the help of motorcycle racers like Valentino Rossi, Marco Simoncelli and Leon Haslam, the D-air Racing works in synergy with existing armour in race suits and gives airbag protection to shoulders, and improves protection in the neck and upper chest area,’ says a press release from the company.