Honda Sells Flex-Fuel Motorcycle in Brazil

Called the CG150 Titan Mix, this little 150 cc class motorcycle is not only inexpensive (about $2,700 USD) and interesting to look at, but it is one of the first flex-fuel capable motorcycles. Honda optimistically hopes to sell over 200,000 of these per year.

Unfortunately they are only being offered for sale in Brazil.

Article on domesticfuel.com
Article on motorcycle-usa.com

Don't chew on that battery terminal, Tommy!

Making its way around many motorsport oriented internet e-mail groups is the news that some small dirtbikes may be banned due to lead content of some components. According to this TriCity Hearald article, off-road vehicles with 100cc engines or less that are intended for riders under twelve years old have been banned.

Apparently the concern is regarding potential exposure to lead battery terminals and other items that potentialy have lead in them. Is this a well intentioned law that had some unintentional side effects or is this the government trying to "protect us from ourselves" and attempting to get a foothold into a hobby and lifestyle that many view as dangerous?

In the words of Scott Shackford from the Desert Dispatch, "Eating your all-terrain vehicle may be hazardous to your health."

And what better way to protect that younger brain?

That younger brain deserves some protection.

Maybe this rider thought that riding without a helmet was cool. Maybe he thought they are uncomfortable. Maybe he had delusions of invincibility.

Regardless, this is the result of an accident without a helmet.

Riding without a helmet, in many places throughout the world, is legally allowed. Many in the United States feel it is their right to decide whether to don this life saving protection or ride with the wind in their face, blowing through their hair.

Yes, it is a choice. Anyone making such a choice should know the potential consequences.

Thanks to Bolty for her post.

Riding for a Younger, Better Brain!

Yes, that's right! Not only does riding motorcycles help keep the brain agile, but also helps keep them young!

In a recent study by Yamaha and Tohoku University, daily motorcycle riding is likely responsible for higher scores in cognitive function tests. This increase is believed to be caused by the heightened awareness necessary to ride.

So, what are you waiting for? Take a safety class, get a license, get a bike and ride! Not only will you be saving gas, helping the environment and having fun, but you will be helping yourself stay young and keeping your brain functioning at a higher level that non-riders.

The entire article about this study can be found here, on Redorbit.

From the Bad Idea File

From our Bad Idea file... ... ...

A 22 year old Mesa, Arizona man (all allegedly, of course) arrived at his apartment complex to find his parking spot occupied by a motorcycle. He didn't do what most would, like park somewhere else and call the apartment complex's management office.

This fellow had a real bad idea.

He retrieved his sawed off shotgun and shot the motorcycle lock. After that brief bout of stupidity, he hid the firearm in his car.

The motorcycle shot was heard by the bike's owner who came out to see what was going on. The two entered into a heated argument and the shooter tried to flee when the motorcycle owner called the police. The rider tried to prevent the gunman from leaving, so, what does this idiot do? He gets his shotgun out again and aims it at the motorcycle owner and threatens to shoot him.

Luckily, the police did arrest the shooter before any blood was spilled. You can read of this idiocy here at AZCentral.

Free Motorcycle Safety Training in Pennsylvania

If you want to ride a motorcycle and live in Pennsylvania, here is a golden opportunity to become a better and safer new rider. Whether you want to ride a cafe racer, cruiser, sport bike or dual-sport, safety is of utmost importance.

The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program will be offering classes free of charge for beginner riders. More information can be found here at the Progress News and here at the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program website.

Triumph Delivers a New Thunderbird

While other motorcycle companies are cutting back, Triumph will be delivering their new Thunderbird to US shores earlier than planned. According to Triumph North America, dealers are now accepting deposits on motorcycles scheduled to begin delivery in late June.

Sporting the classic styling of a cruiser and a less than common 1,600cc parallel twin engine, this will be one unique machine. Anyone interested in this unique ride can receive a personal review at Daytona Bike Week where four have been shipped for public display.

Yamaha to Cut Motorcycle Production

According to Yamaha Motor Co, Tokyo, Japan, production of new motorcycles will be slashed by 24% this year. Reasons for this cut include poor global economy and rising inventories.

These cuts will effect manufacturing in Japan, the Americas and Europe. Asian production will likely not change due to the stronger demand for smaller motorcycles in that part of the world. More information can be found on Reuters.

A Good Year for BMW Canada

While Honda, Yamaha and other motorcycle companies have been been suffering with the rest of the economy, BMW Motorrad Canada celebrated their best sales year ever.

Congratulations to BMW Canada!

Nevada Motorcycle Deaths Up

According to the Las Vegas Sun, fatal motorcycle accidents in Nevada have raised 11.8% in 2008. But, the news isn't all bad. 2008 brought a 15% decline in overall traffic fatalities and Clark County (Where Las Vegas is located) enjoyed a decline in motorcycle fatalities by 14.6% Hopefully the insurance rates will go down here!

DIY Squee - Keep Your Visor Nice and Dry!

Moisture on motorcycle helmet visors is not just pesky, it is down right dangerous! If you don't want to part with $15 plus shipping for a commercial Squee to keep your visor clear, take a look at this great article from Bolty about making your own Squee. Great job!