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.