Take advantage of the MV Agusta Trade-In and Loyalty Program to own a brand-new MV Agusta motorcycle, like this 2024 MV Agusta Enduro Veloce.
The MV Agusta Trade-In and Loyalty Program, running from May 24, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024, offers rewards to both new and existing customers that they can use toward the purchase of new, unregistered MV Agustas. The incentive is designed to get more MV Agusta fans on new motorcycles, and participants can receive as much as $2,500 toward a new MV Agusta.
“We are excited to offer this exceptional program to our collectors and new customers,” said Luca Dovesi, general manager of MV Agusta North America. “The Trade-In and Loyalty Program reflects our dedication to providing value and recognition to our loyal customers while inviting new enthusiasts to be part of our family and experience a true Made-In-Italy Motorcycle Art.”
There will be two levels of incentives, one for existing MV Agusta owners and one for new owners. The Level 1 Loyalty Trade-In ($2,500) is for current MV Agusta owners who can provide proof of ownership, and no trade-in of an existing MV Agusta motorcycle is required. Level 2 Value Trade-In is for customers who trade in any industry-recognized motorcycle for a $1,500 incentive. At Level 2, an additional $500 incentive is available for trading in a motorcycle from an Italian manufacturer like Ducati or Aprilia.
To participate, customers must visit an MV Agusta dealer and provide trade-in or loyalty motorcycle info (brand, year, VIN, trade-in value), a photo of the motorcycle being traded in, a copy of the new MV Agusta motorcycle registration, and a copy of the bill of sale for the new MV Agusta motorcycle.
This program is available nationwide until the end of the year. Those interested can find more information at their nearest MV Agusta dealer.
Mark Fincher offers V-8 trike tours in New Zealand for a one-of-a-kind experience of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Photos by the author.
What do novelist Zane Grey, a Chevy V-8-powered trike, and the South Pacific nation of New Zealand have to do with each other? More than you might expect.
Zane Grey, author of Riders of the Purple Sage and other American westerns, was also an avid angler. In 1925, he was invited by the New Zealand government to visit, in the hope that he would enjoy and promote the country’s fishing industry. The following year, Grey arrived with his entourage to the Bay of Islands, off the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island.
Author Zane Grey had a major impact on tourism in New Zealand.
Grey was blown away by the natural beauty and culture of New Zealand and chose Urupukapuka Island as a base, which put New Zealand’s game fishing on the global map, an influence that still resonates in the region’s tourist industry today.
In Grey’s novels, the horse or the horse-drawn carriage was the main means of transport, but fast forward to the present, and the spirit of adventure that Grey epitomized finds a modern expression in Thunder Trike Tours, which provides a distinctive – and exhilarating – way for visitors to explore the scenic beauty and historical richness of the Bay of Islands.
The company, based in the North Island port town of Paihia, offers tours in massive three-wheelers powered by 260-hp V-8 engines. The trikes were built by James D, a small (and now defunct) manufacturer of three-seater and five-seater trikes, formerly based in Rangiora, New Zealand.
The Edelbrock-Chevy 5.7-liter V-8 engines in these trikes are a nod to American automotive culture. These engines, popular in muscle cars and classic restorations, serve as a bridge between American innovation and Kiwi tourism. The trikes themselves are a testament to craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of classic engine design, something that enthusiasts and casual tourists alike can appreciate.
Thunder Trike Tours also serves as a contemporary link to the past adventures of figures like Zane Grey. While Grey explored the natural world through his fishing and brought the beauty of New Zealand to readers across the globe, Thunder Trike Tours offers a visceral experience of the landscape. It’s a celebration of cultural and mechanical engineering, bringing together elements from different times and places.
Mark Fincher, owner of Thunder Trike Tours, has been into motorcycles and V-8s as long as he can remember. He and his wife, Denise, spotted their first V-8-powered James D trike during a visit to Fiji. When they returned to New Zealand, Fincher found out that the trikes were made in the South Island’s township of Rangiora. Two days later, he bought his first one. Now he owns three of them.
Mark Fincher (right) is the owner of Thunder Trike Tours.
When Fincher reached semi-retirement, he wanted something else to do and started Thunder Trike Tours. The company has been running eight years now and offers excursions ranging from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. Their tours are popular with folks ranging in age from small children to an adventurous 100-year-old gentleman, including cruise ship passengers spending the day in the Bay area.
“These trikes definitely give everyone the thrills during our ride outs, and we enjoy it,” said Fincher. “You don’t need to wear a helmet, because the trikes are registered as a convertible car, right down to having been fitted with a hand brake, and are fully safety equipped, with bucket seats and seat belts. These trikes handle unbelievably well and make us look good.”
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or a history enthusiast, a ride with Thunder Trike Tours promises an unforgettable adventure in one of New Zealand’s most breath-taking regions.
This connection underscores a broader narrative about cultural exchange and the evolution of tourist experiences in the Bay of Islands. From the quiet solitude of fishing in the early morning to the exhilarating roar of a V-8 engine, the region continues to offer a diverse array of attractions. These experiences not only honour the legacy of adventurers and storytellers like Grey but also highlight the innovative spirit that continues to draw people to this enchanting part of New Zealand.
The all-electric Can-Am Origin (left) and Can-Am Pulse (right) mark the brand’s reentrance into the two-wheeled market.
Originally unveiled in 2022, the all-electric Can-Am Motorcycles Origin dual-sport and Pulse streetbike will get a full launch with more details and specs this fall. For now, Can-Am has released a four-episode docuseries that follows the creation of these electric motorcycles, which mark Can-Am’s reentrance into the two-wheeled segment.
Can-Am is 51 years old in 2024, and the brand has a storied history of two-wheeled innovation to draw on for the creation of the Origin and Pulse. The first Can-Am motocross bike, built in 1973, saw immediate success in motocross and endurance racing. The company continued building off-road motorcycles until 1987. In 1998, it launched a line of ATVs, and in 2007, the three-wheeled Spyder RS emerged, followed by other on-road three-wheeled machines.
The Can-Am Origin will be the brand’s all-electric dual-sport model.
Both the Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse will be powered by Rotax E-Power technology. Working closely with Rotax in Austria, BRP (Can-Am’s parent company) has been able to create a motor designed specifically for these motorcycles. In the third episode of the docuseries, Jean-Francois Lambert, vice president of advanced technology and electric vehicle development, explains that the battery is located at the center, the inverter on one side, the VCU on the other side, the charger on top of the package, and the motor in the swingarm.
The Origin and Pulse also feature LED headlights, TFT displays, white and gray bodywork, inverted forks, single-disc brakes, and solo seats.
Ahead of the full launch of these two new all-electric models later in the year, viewers can learn more about the creation of the Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse by watching the short docuseries episodes below.
WorldSBK and the Aragon Government have reached an agreement that will see the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship visit the MotorLand Aragon circuit in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
A mainstay on the WorldSBK calendar since 2011, MotorLand Aragon has recently undergone an extensive refresh over three months. More than 75,000 m² of the track has been resurfaced, and new kerbs totalling 700m in length have been installed. In accordance with FIM standards, several run-off areas have been updated, and new colours have been applied to highlight track limits.
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director said: “We are delighted to secure the future of WorldSBK at MotorLand Aragon. Its spectacular layout makes it a favourite among motorcycle fans, producing thrilling races and presenting a significant challenge to all competitors. Additionally, the venue boasts excellent facilities overall. The recent upgrades underscore MotorLand Aragon’s and the region’s commitment to supporting world-class racing.”
Manuel Blasco, MotorLand Aragon President added: “With this new three-year contract, we provide stability to the circuit’s calendar. This event is very important for the image of Aragon, as it brings nearly 30,000 attendees to our facilities. We are also very satisfied with the resurfacing of the circuit, which ensures that MotorLand meets the highest quality standards for welcoming our visitors.”
MotorLand Aragon will host Round 10 of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, featuring all three categories and the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup, promising an action-packed weekend from 27th-29th September.
Watch all the action from WorldSBK in 2024 using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 50% off!
The first double header of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship took place over the last couple of weeks, first visiting Donington Park before heading east to the Czech Republic. Both rounds provided thrilling racing and we’ve summarised some of the more unusual, or difficult, passing places from both rounds below.
The run to Turn 1 at Most lends itself to a traditional ‘use the slipstream, pass under braking’ move but twice those passes became two-for-one. First, Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) overtook Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in Race 2, then Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) performed a similar move on Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) and Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in the same race.
While Turn 1 was one of the optimum overtaking opportunities at Most, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) opted for Turn 2 when passing van der Mark. On the short spurt between Turns 1 and 2, ‘Loka’ saw a gap and took it, diving up the inside of the Dutchman at Turn 2 to move into the podium places.
The right-hand corner of Turn 15 became an overtaking hotspot at Most, with the moves starting from Race 1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) got ahead of Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) there for P2 in Race 1, before Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) passed ‘The Maniac’ there a few laps later and then ‘Petrux’ used the same corner to pass Bulega for P2. In Race 2, Razgatlioglu claimed the lead at Turns 15-16, while Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) made two passes there: first on Lecuona on Lap 16 for P7 and then on Lap 22 on Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) for P6.
Turn 4 at Donington is a place to make passes but it can be tricky, and it’s possible to be cut back into Turn 5. This wasn’t a problem for Rea, though, after a superb start in the Tissot Superpole Race launched him to fourth on the exit of Turn 1, before passing Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) for third at the Old Hairpin as he claimed a first Yamaha podium.
The penultimate corner at Donington is one that allows multiple lines, which lends itself to potential passing although it can be tricky. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was able to get past Bulega there in Race 1, as was Razgatlioglu on Lap 3 of the Tissot Superpole Race to claim the lead of P1 on his way to victory.
Turn 1 at Donington is a right hander but with the undulations of the track, there are different lines that can be used, plus the relatively short run to it can make it hard to fight. Alex Lowes made a move there for P8 on van der Mark in the Superpole Race, while Iannone was able to pass the Yamaha of Gardner there in the same race. In Race 2, teammates Rea and Locatelli battled it out at Turn 1 with the Italian coming out on top to show it’s possible, even if it’s difficult, to overtake there.
The risk of making a move at the Old Hairpin was on display when Bautista and Alex Lowes battled there. The #22 was looking to move into sixth place and got ahead, before Bautista cut back to get a better run through Turns 5 and 6. They were almost side by side on the run up to McLean’s, a corner where you very rarely overtake, with the Kawasaki rider able to get ahead.
As the Ducati family gathered at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” for their annual World Ducati Week event, the Italian manufacturer also revealed their new Panigale V4 model. Featuring revised aerodynamics, a new fairing design and technology derived from MotoGP™, plus a stated power output of 216 horsepower, you can look at pictures of the new bike in the gallery at the top of this article!
EagleRider, the motorcycle rental and tour company, will be offering riders the opportunity to rent Harley-Davidson CVO models. With rates starting from $259, you can experience the pinnacle of H-D engineering from August 15 through October 31, 2024.
Harley’s CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) bikes are typically unavailable for test rides, but EagleRider will be offering the exclusive opportunity to experience what it’s like to ride this premium bike without having to pay its $44,499 MSRP.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to ride a CVO Road Glide, EagleRider gives you the opportunity to rent one for as little as $259.
“EagleRider has partnered with Harley-Davidson to provide another one-of-a-kind adventure,” said CEO Sebastian Schoepe. “We are proud that riders can now experience the thrill and luxury of a CVO motorcycle.”
EagleRider is the world’s largest motorcycle rental and tour company, with 150 locations around the globe and outlets in most major U.S. cities, including the recently opened location in Boston.
For the CVO rentals, the 25 bikes will be available in Chicago, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, allowing riders to experience the joys of riding the most desirable new Harley along sections of the legendary Route 66.
Additionally, existing EagleRider tour bookings can be upgraded to include the CVO Road Glide, and members of Club EagleRider can access this exclusive opportunity for 5 credits per day.
The 2024 Honda CB650R (seen here in Pearl Smoky Gray) and Honda CBR650R have been upgraded with the addition of the Honda E-Clutch system for clutchless shifting.
Previously introduced in Europe, Honda E-Clutch will become available in the U.S. on the 2024 CB650R and CBR650R. This new system removes the need to use the clutch lever at all and eliminates the possibility of stalling, among other operational conveniences. In the same announcement, Honda released information about the upgraded 2025 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, as well as four returning street models for 2025. All models in this announcement will be available at dealers in the U.S. starting in September 2024.
Honda E-Clutch
The new Honda E-Clutch system is something in between Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission and a quickshifter. While using the E-Clutch, the rider won’t need to operate the clutch lever, whether shifting up or down, coming to a stop, or pulling away after a stop. The rider need only switch gears using the foot control. A clutch lever remains operational, so riders can choose to use it if they prefer.
If the rider uses the clutch lever, the Honda E-Clutch system will reactive after less than a second at higher engine rpm or after five seconds at lower engine speeds. For even more control, the rider can select Manual mode from the switch cluster on the left side of the handlebar to eliminate any E-Clutch functionality.
E-Clutch also allows riders to select from three operational feel settings: Hard, Medium, or Soft. These settings can be chosen independently for upshifting and downshifting, and they affect the strength of force required on the shift pedal to make a gear change.
The Honda E-Clutch system weighs less than 4.5 lb, and the clutch and transmission hardware are the same as on a conventional motorcycle. The system works by reading parameters like vehicle speed, throttle-opening angle, engine rpm, pressure on the shift pedal, clutch-motor reduction-gear angle, engine countershaft speed, and gear position. Using these readings, the system manages clutch engagement and disengagement, as well as ignition timing and fuel injection for smooth responses.
For 2024 in the U.S., the Honda E-Clutch system will be offered only on the CB650R and CBR650R, both of which receive other updates as well.
2024 Honda CB650R and CBR650R
2024 Honda CBR650R in Grand Prix Red
Honda’s middleweight naked and its fully faired sibling are upgraded for 2024. The most notable update is the addition of the E-Clutch, detailed in the section above. Other updates to both models include a new 5-inch TFT instrument display, LED lighting throughout, and updated styling, with the CB650R dressed in Honda’s Neo Sports Café style and the CBR650R carrying a sportier look.
2024 Honda CB650R
Both bikes feature a 649cc inline-Four with DOHC and four valves per cylinder. Suspension comes from a 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork and a Showa shock. Dual 310mm discs with radial-mounted 4-piston calipers slow things down up front. The CB650R naked has a claimed wet weight of 456 lb, while the CBR650R is 10 lb heavier.
The 2024 Honda CB650R will be available in Pearl Smoky Gray with an MSRP of $9,399. The 2024 Honda CBR650R will be available in Grand Prix Red with an MSRP of $9,899.
2025 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in Grand Prix Red
A proven winner in MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 class, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP returns for 2025 with several significant upgrades. Honda claims the updated Fireblade SP now makes more power in the midrange and has a more responsive engine thanks to reduced crankshaft mass. All gear ratios have been shortened for 2025, and the Akrapovič muffler is larger for adequate flow while meeting noise-emissions standards.
The riding position is more humane for street use, with taller handlebar grips and lower footpegs. The bike also includes a new two-motor throttle-by-wire system, nine-level traction control, three riding modes, a revised aluminum frame with new rigidity balance, a suspension with third-generation Öhlins Smart Electronic Control, new Brembo Stylema R radial-mount 4-piston calipers, a new winglet shape, a 5-inch color TFT screen, and a slight increase in fuel capacity to 4.4 gallons.
The Fireblade is powered by a 1,000cc inline-Four with DOHC with a bore and stroke of 81mm x 48.5mm. Valve timing has been revised for 2025, and the compression ratio was raised from 13.4:1 to 13.6:1.
The 2025 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP will be available in Grand Prix Red with an MSRP of $28,999.
The CBR1000RR returns unchanged for 2025. The bike’s 1,000cc inline-Four features magnesium engine, covers, DLC-coated finger-follower rocker arms, a compression ratio of 13.0:1, and a redline of 13,000 rpm. The bike also features a slipper clutch, Honda Selectable Torque Control, wheelie control, three levels of engine braking, a TFT screen with three selectable display options, and a five-level Power Selector. Suspension is provided by a 43mm Showa BPF fork and a Balance Free Rear Cushion shock, and braking is provided by Tokico 4-piston radial-mounted calipers up front. All lighting is LED.
The 2025 Honda CBR1000RR will be available in Pearl White with an MSRP of $16,999 without ABS and $17,299 with ABS.
2025 Honda CBR600RR
2025 Honda CBR600RR in Deep Pearl Gray
Designed to “deliver racetrack-level performance at an accessible price,” the CBR600RR returns for 2025 unchanged. It’s powered by a 599cc inline-Four with a bore and stroke of 67.0mm x 42.5mm and a compression ratio of 12.2:1. The 41mm Showa BPF is adjustable for spring preload and compression and rebound damping, and in the rear is a Pro-Link shock with spring preload, rebound, and compression damping adjustability.
The 2025 Honda CBR600RR will be available in Deep Pearl Gray with an MSRP of $12,199 without ABS and $13,199 with ABS.
2025 Honda CB300R
2025 Honda CB300R in Pearl Dusk Yellow
The smallest of the CB models, the CB300R naked returns for 2025 as Honda’s entry-level bike. It features fully blacked-out hardware, styling cues taken from the larger-displacement CB bikes, aluminum wheels, and ABS. It has an LCD instrument display and full LED lighting. It’s powered by a 286cc Single with DOHC and four valves. Wet weight is a claimed 317 lb, wheelbase is 53.3 inches, and the seat height is 31.5 inches.
2025 Honda CB300R in Matte Black Metallic
The 2025 Honda CB300R will be available in Pearl Dusk Yellow or Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $5,149.
The quirky and fun-loving Honda Monkey returns for 2025. The retro-styled mini is powered by a 124cc air-cooled Single with a 5-speed transmission, and its wet weight is only 231 lb with its 1.5-gallon tank full. Its seat is reasonably low at 30.5 inches, and its wheelbase is just 45.0 inches. The Monkey is equipped with LCD instrumentation and LED lighting.
It’s been a crazy busy for weeks with our first back to back schedule. Here’s how things went down in Most. The trajectory of the weekend was a positive one … Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
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