Posts Tagged ‘Motorcycle racing’

Motorcycle News Highlights October 2025

Posted: November 4, 2025 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news
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1. MotoE World Championship (electric-motorcycle racing) suspended

Dorna Sports (along with Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, FIM) announced that the MotoE series will be put on hiatus after the 2025 season.
The reason: insufficient fan interest and slow development in the electric-motorcycle market.
This is a notable setback for electric road-racing motorcycles.

2. Norton Motorcycles outlines a major revival strategy under new ownership

The British heritage brand Norton (now under TVS Motor Company) is inviting UK-based retailers to join its network ahead of a global relaunch at the EICMA 2025 show in Milan and reportedly secured a ~USD 267 million investment for manufacturing and operations in the UK.

3. Ride of the Year: Can‑Am Canyon Redrock named 2025 Motorcycle of the Year

According to Rider Magazine, the Can-Am Canyon Redrock (a three-wheel “roadster” from BRP) is awarded the 2025 Motorcycle of the Year. Rider Magazine


The publication noted that the broader motorcycle marketplace is increasingly diverse—with over 117 new or updated models eligible this year. They pointed out that lighter, more accessible machines (including 3-wheelers) and electric/alternative-power machines are helping reshape the market. The award to the Canyon Redrock underscores how category-creep is real: what counts as “motorcycle” is evolving.

4. U.S. dealer-/industry initiative to grow riding participation

Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) in the U.S. has partnered with Comoto Family of Brands (owner of Cycle Gear, RevZilla, J&P Cycles) to roll out a nationwide “Ride With Us” initiative aimed at introducing new riders and lowering barriers to entry.
Highlights:

  • The campaign provides hands-on experiences, free ride-intro events, training-bike access, gear, coaching and guides on licensing.
  • The tagline: “What does a motorcycle rider look like? Exactly like you.” It emphasizes inclusivity and aims to attract a broader demographic.
  • The effort also encourages existing riders to “Recruit a Rider” — inviting friends/family to join.

Implication: With the new-motorcycle market under pressure in many regions, growing the base of riders (not just sales) becomes a strategic priority. Increasing participation may help sustain culture, aftermarket sales, gear/accessories, and ultimately new-bike demand long-term.

Watch ‘Motorcycle Mary’ on ESPN’s 30 for 30

Posted: October 16, 2024 in Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing, Motorcycle TV
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Premiering November 3rd on ESPN’s 30 for 30 “Motorcycle Mary” documents the story of Mary McGee.  Mary had a 30-year motorcycle racing career across multiple types of racing.

Mary was the first woman to race motorcycles in the United States.

As the first woman I am sure her stories of overcoming will be interesting and thought provoking.

I am looking forward to seeing this, make sure to set your DVR!

9 Tips for Attending a Motorcycle Race

Posted: April 4, 2024 in Uncategorized
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The motorcycle racing season is underway!  World Superbike, MotoGP, and here in the USA MotoAmerica and King of the Baggers.  If you have never been to a race this year might be the year you go to your first.

Below are some commonsense tips to make sure you have a good time:

  1. Plan ahead: Check the race schedule and plan your trip accordingly. Make sure you have all the necessary tickets, passes, and documents.
  2. Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for the weather. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
  3. Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  4. Bring earplugs: Motorcycle races can be loud, so it’s a good idea to bring earplugs to protect your hearing.
  5. Pack snacks: Bring some snacks and food to keep your energy levels up during the race. BUT, the track makes it money on their consessions please help them out.
  6. Get there early: Arrive early to find a good spot to watch the race and avoid traffic. Most tracks park the motorcycles in a motorcycle only area so watch for signs/directions.
  7. Be respectful: Be respectful of other fans, the riders, and the track. Follow the rules and regulations of the event.
  8. Take photos: Capture the excitement of the race by taking photos and videos. But remember to be mindful of other fans and not to obstruct their view.
  9. Enjoy the experience: Finally, relax and enjoy the experience. Motorcycle races are thrilling events that offer a unique opportunity to witness the skill and bravery of the riders.  MotoAmerica has a fan walk of pit road at most races.  This will give you an opportunity to meet the racers and see the bikes.

I hope you find this helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Motorcycle News: More on Kill Switches and Speed Limiters and NIMBY.

Posted: February 8, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing, Uncategorized
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ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… This is going to happen, sadly, sooner or later.

State lawmakers in California are now pushing for electronic speed limiters for 2027 and beyond vehicles. This is in addtion to the work at the federal level on this issue.

The Biden administration, via the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), have introduced Kill Switches and Speed Limiters for 2027 and beyond vehicles.

NHTSA is asking for public input. Please ensure that you provide input  regarding this new proposal at regulations.gov by searching for the docket number, NHTSA-2022-0079, and follow the instructions for making comments.

Comments are due by March 5th.

My Take – This is a big DOWN SHIFT for individual freedom and the right to travel.

What you need to know… “Not In My Backyard” is coming for a famous American racetrack.

Laguna Seca raceway is under attack as California NIMBY coalition seeks to shutdown world famous track.

Stating that the racetrack is a “public nuisance” the “Highway 68 Coalition” cites the following:

                        Increased use of the track.

                        Sound levels are more than permitted levels.

                        Claiming that zoning prevents racing.

                        Increased traffic

                        Inadequate and poor-quality water

                        Inadequate sewage disposal due to expansion of camping.

Laguan Seca is now owned by the County of Monterey and generated $250 million dollars in 2022.

My Take – Another big DOWN SHIFT.  Way to often these NIMBY efforts are successful.  Love Laguna Seca now, it might not be there in the future.

Ride on, Ride Safe

My first American Flat Track Motorcycle Race – The West Virginia ½ Mile

Posted: July 4, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle racing
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My wife and I attended our first American Flat Track motorcycle race.   This was also the first time we had been to the West Virginia Motor Speedway.

I went as a fan, not part of the press, primarily because this was a last moment decision.  As a fan I had a lot of fun!  The dark brown clay-based track was in good condition, the racing was fast and exiting.  The venue was quite nicely laid out, easy to get around both or food and visiting the pits.  

We arrived just before qualifying started and stayed until the twins race finished.   My favorite flat track racers did not do so well Shana Texter-Bauman missed qualifying in the singles but did get a provisional entry to ride in the main event and JD Beach finished 4th in the twins final.

Part of the event was the Royal Enfield Build Tran Race (BTR). Royal Enfield is sponsoring a women’s only series of races one of which was held at the speedway. The women get a Royal Enfield 650 which they “Build” a race bike, then they get professional “Training” and then race a series of six American Flat Track events.  While there was a great disparity of talent the race for first place was very exciting. Morgan Monroe pulled out the win by .4 of a second.

The venue itself, the West Virginia Motor Speedway, was very nice. The “seats” were “bring your own chair” to place on the terraced “grandstand”.  Our location provided good views of everything but the start and part of the front straight. Luckly most of the action in flat track is in the turns and we got great views of all that work.

The only major issue I had with the speedway was the sound system. Even with just four motorcycles racing in the Mission Foods Challenge races you could not hear the commentary.

Speaking of Mission Foods, they are a primary sponsor of both American Flat Track and MotoAmerica and had a booth at the track. They were giving away chips and tortillas to all in attendance. We have been using Mission Food products for years, this and this was just a race day bonus!!

*****

Ride on, Ride safe

Best Motorcycle Posters for 2021

Posted: February 4, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle show, Rally, vintage motorcycle
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WOW 2021 was just as bad as 2020 in regards for content for best motorcycle poster, but it was close. I gather my candidates from the social media cesspool, looking all year for the interesting, cute or weird poster.

This year I had 12 to start before reducing down to the best 9 motorcycle posters. Why 9 because everyone does 10 and 11 is too much work. I would love to give credit where it is due, so if you know the artist that produced the items below let me know and I will be happy to provide attribution.

Which one is your favorite?

Motorcycle News: Bagger Racing at Laguna Seca

Posted: October 29, 2020 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing
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Upshift – King of the Baggers – MotoAmerica has a real winner with this new motorcycle race format!  The race had me smiling ear to ear.  Seeing motorcycles, that many of us ride, racing on a world-famous racetrack was so rewarding. It was also gratifying, if you listen to The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio you know I have been calling for some kind of series like this for years.

This was not some kind of exhibition event; the bikes and the racers were there to win. With riders of the quality of Ben Bostrom (multi-time World Superbike winner), Josh Herrin (AMA Superbike Champion), Hayden Gilliam, Cory West, Tyler O’Hara, Travis Wyman are just a few of the many accomplished motorcycle racers.

Seeing these big baggers, literally, jump from the starting line and racing to the first turn hole shot was just spectacular. Then seeing the riders whipping the motorcycle left and right through the famous Laguna Seca corkscrew was a sight I hope to see again in the future.

Seeing these big baggers, literally, jump from the starting line and racing to the first turn hole shot was just spectacular. Then seeing the riders whipping the motorcycle left and right through the famous Laguna Seca corkscrew was a sight I hope to see again in the future.

Tyler O’Hara, on an Indian Challenger, even after running his motorcycle off the track was able to win with almost a 2 second lead over Hayden Gilliam and his Harley Davidson Street Glide.

My take – MotoAmerica this needs to be a real series!!!  Let’s get this on board for a 4-race series next year with the goal of getting to a 9- race annual event.

I would go with Road Atlanta to pull the south, Pitt Race for the North East and mid-Atlantic. Road America to pull the mid-American crowd and, of course, staff at Laguna Seca.  This will get more exposure across the country and pull more fans to the tracks.

Tyler O’Hara may have won the race, but the real winners were the American fanbase. 

Watch the entire race from MotoAmerica!

Motorcycle News: Baggers Racing at Laguna Seca???

Posted: August 18, 2020 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle racing
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upshift

Hitting Neutral ­– Harley on a new course – Harley Davidson Motorcycles changes course, again. Out with the old boss in with the new boss. Out with the old plan in with the new plan.

When the last Harley Davidson CEO was in charge, he put in place an ambitious plan of 100 new motorcycles in 10 years. 

The new guy thinks that is an overreach and ended the effort and has stating that 30% of new models will be cut. This is paired with a cut to production to “make them more exclusive”.

While the new streetfighter motorcycle looks like it may be on the cut list. Its engine sharing brother, the Pan America adventure bike, is coming out with the 2021 models.

The new guy also wants to drive up the parts and accessories business along with merchandise. 

My Take: Who is right? According to the board of directors, not the guy that got fired.  I thought trying to expand appeal by having different Harley Davidson motorcycles was an interesting idea.  Not sure where cutting production will help exclusivity when there are 1000’s of bikes on the used market.

*****

Upshift: The King of Baggers Race – MotoAmerica is adding a touch of the surreal to American motorcycle racing. Well maybe, in the age of COVID who knows.

If you always wanted to see American V-Twins race at Laguna Seca raceway, maybe this is the year.  Watching a mildly modified Harley Davidson Road or Street Glide swinging through the corkscrew is going to be bonkers at best.

The race is getting attention.  Drag Specialties is the King of Baggers sponsor. A bunch of accessory companies are getting in on the action, for example Saddlemen, the motorcycle seat and luggage maker, is sponsoring bike #87 in the race.

And Indian and S&S are teaming up to run a Indian Challenger as well.  It should dominate on the straights as it has more than a few cubic inches on the Harley’s.

Currently the race is schedule for October 23-25, but who knows if it will happen until it happens.

My take: OH HELL YEAH!

Motorcycle News: MOTOGP Races Canceled! NBCSC Hates American Motorcycle Racing

Posted: March 6, 2020 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing, Uncategorized
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upshift downshift

 

NBCSCDownshift: MOTOGP and World Superbike now on NBCSC – NBC now has the multi-year rights to both MOTOGP and World Superbike motorcycle racing in the US market. I found out about this when I tried to DVR World Superbike this past weekend.

NBCSC will open their MOTOGP coverage with the race in Qatar (not anymore) the rest will air either on NBC or NBCSC either live or tape delay. OR you can watch live on their streaming service, where it appears that MOTO2 and MOTO3 will only be available.

World Superbike is getting 6 races televised but it appears that only 2 will air live, based on their timing.

My Take: As much as BEIN Sports was maligned for the numbers of households it was in, at least they televised all the races! So, based on this how do I politely say NBCSC AND DORNA YOU SUCK? NBC how much did you pay to not show the races?

OH, but I can buy your NBC steaming packages? Why would I give you that money when I can pay MOTOGP and World Superbike directly, for the same thing?
DORNA you really don’t want motorcycle racing to succeed in the USA do you?
NBCSC is doing a poor job with Supercross (it is listed as motocross for DVR purposes) why would I think it would do any better with the other forms of motorcycle racing?

*****

motogpNeutral: MOTOGP in Qatar & Thailand Canceled – The Corona Virus has forced a prudent action of cancelling the first two races of the 2020 MOTOGP season in both. There was some question regarding MOTO2 and MOTO3 classes as they were already in Qatar preparing for the race. But that question has been answered, they are racing in Qatar.

The second race, Thailand was rescheduled for October.

Additionally, DORNA is considering hold races with out the fans. Not sure how that would work out for the tracks?  My understanding is that they make most of their money on those race weekends from the fans.  Selling 100,000 hot dogs puts the money in their pocket.

My Take: It was the prudent thing to do. For all you Marc Marquez haters, yes, it is a conspiracy to allow him to get healthy! LOL

This is a fast changing situation…I going to try and keep up!

MotoAmerica 2018, WOW what a season of motorcycle racing

Posted: October 7, 2019 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle racing, Uncategorized
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motoamerica-logoRacing

Over the last few years MotoAmerica motorcycle racing has been improving bit by bit, in the racing arena.

That was true until this season when the 2019 racing, in almost every class, became WOW.

In the superbike series there were multiple winners all though the season, on any given

bobby Fong

@bobbyfong50

week any one of six riders could end up on the top step.

Both the superbike (Cameron Beaubier) and sport bike (Bobby Fong) championship went down to the last race weekend. AND emerging champions like Alex Dumas, Andrew Lee

and Rocco Landers only add to the level of talent in MotoAmerica. As far as the racing goes…

MotoAmerica had the best racing in the world in 2019!!!! No doubt, hands down, the best racing in the world!

TV coverage

It was not only in racing that MotoAmerica improved.

The premier American motorcycle racing series moved from BEIN Sports to Fox Sports 2 tripling the number of homes that could see the races. Fox Sports 2 showed all the superbike races live or same day, with an encore showing later in the week for 45 hours of coverage. As for the other races like the Liqui Moly Twins Cup, many folks have been critical of the lack of coverage on TV. I say “dude” it is a building process, geez!!ma nbc

AND if that was not enough MotoAmerica had an hour long spot each week with NBC Sports Network. “Inside MotoAmerica” was a show that highlighted the races and provided interviews and features from the previous week’s races. Each show was repeated once for 22 hours of motorcycle racing coverage. I though “Inside MotoAmerica” was well produced.

Steaming

If you could not get Fox Sports 2 or you wanted to watch all the race action in every class, then you could have bought into MotoAmerica Live+. As part of The DawgHousemotoamerica live Motorcycle Radio show we have been calling for this for a few years, along with dumping BEIN. I know they have been listening to our show as Wayne Rainy and Chuck Askland stopped by and talked with us while we covered the races at VIR and Pittsburgh. Do we take credit for the steaming… but of course!!! ILMAO

Silly season

The MotoAmerica schedule for next year is set, Utah and Sonoma are out and “The Ridge” and Indianapolis are in for 2020. Looks like The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio might get to go to 3 races next year (yes, we could go to NJ, but no way we are driving there from Virginia…Indy might be longer but so much easier)!

Is fan favorite JD Beach going to return next year, does not sound like he is. While there has been no official notice, the race announcers have stated, on live TV, that he is not returning. So, I assume we will get to see him full time riding American Flat Track.

Garrett Gerloff has rumors that he will be racing in World Super Bike next year. I hope he lands a contending ride as we really need a MotoAmerica alum to do well to attract more attention to the series.

Looks like factory Yamaha is pulling out of the series sponsorship. Sad but Yamaha is having a rough time financially in the US. They even recently moved their HQ from California to Georgia to save money.

Wrapping it up

I really enjoyed MotoAmerica’s 2019 motorcycle racing season. Between seeing racing live at the track, on Fox Sports, NBCSN and the streaming package I could not have asked for much more. All I have to say is things are looking up for motorcycle racing in the US.

I would like to give a special thanks to the folks over at Liqui Moly US for providing The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio tickets to give away to fans of both our show and MotoAmerica!

 

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