Mick produced the Roadracing World Historic Racebike Illustrations feature for decades before his recent passing. He knew his subject matter, having worked on Norton designs and also having raced Norton motorcycles. May he rest in peace…

The post Barber Video: Mick Ofield & Brian Slark On 50 Years Of Norton Design appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

BMW NA 50th Anniversary | 50 Stories for 50 Years Chapter 9: “A New Chapter for BMW Motorrad: BMW NA takes over from Butler & Smith”

Shortly after taking over U.S. sales of BMW automobiles from independent distributor Max Hoffman in 1975, BMW of North America initiated the process to do the same for the motorcycle side of the business.

BMW had been exporting motorcycles to the U.S. since 1950, less than two years after production had resumed in Munich following the destruction of World War II. At first, bikes were ordered directly by dealers whose relationship with BMW predated the war, like Oscar Liebmann, whose New Jersey-based AMOL Precision became the first official BMW motorcycle dealer in the U.S. in 1950. By the end of that year, however, the right to distribute BMW’s motorcycles in this market was assigned to the V. (for Victor) Harasty organization.

Four years later, that privilege was transferred to the Butler & Smith Trading Company. (Contrary to assumptions, the name of the firm referred not to its founders but to the intersection in Brooklyn where the company was located. Butler & Smith first imported NSU motorcycles from Germany, then Lambretta scooters from Italy.)

On February 19, 1954, Butler & Smith president Alfred Bondy wrote a letter to inform NSU and BMW motorcycle dealers that Butler & Smith was BMW’s official U.S. importer. Bondy expressed his desire that BMW dealers should continue with the new distributor, which would “combine Germany’s two most prominent brands which are world renowned for their workmanship and performance.” Bondy also stated that “The first BMW motorcycles will arrive in a few days. A large quantity of BMW parts is on order from the factory, and we hope that our reputation for fast and complete NSU parts service will soon apply to our BMW parts service.”

Initially, Butler & Smith would handle operations on the East Coast, with West Coast distribution delegated to the Flanders Company of Pasadena, California. In 1969, Butler & Smith took over distribution for the entire U.S., and in May 1970 established a new headquarters and import center in Norwood, New Jersey.

Even prior to that move, Butler & Smith had ensured that BMW built motorcycles suited to the needs and tastes of U.S. riders, most of whom used bikes like the R 50 and R 69 for long-distance touring. Their suitability for that purpose had been firmly established in 1958, when Ohio dealer John Penton rode his 600cc R 69 from New York to Los Angeles in 52 hours, 11 minutes, setting a new record and gaining great publicity for the reliability of BMW motorcycles. (Penton was an accomplished off-road rider, and he’d ride a factory-backed R 27 single in the 1962 International Six Days Trial, winning a silver medal despite a few bad crashes.) Thanks to Butler & Smith, BMW motorcycles could be ordered in the U.S. with options like dual seats, higher handlebars, and accessories like saddlebags, fairings, and the side stands preferred by Americans over the standard center stand. Later, Butler & Smith would offer aftermarket equipment including Krauser luggage, Luftmeister fairings, and Continental or Metzeler tires.

BMW built sporty models as well as touring bikes, of course, and Butler & Smith went racing to promote them. The firm became especially active on the racetrack following the move to New Jersey, which likely coincided with the ascension of Dr. Peter Adams to the leadership of the Butler & Smith firm. Adams was the son of Butler & Smith owner Irwin Adams, who may have founded or purchased it with Bondy in 1949 but who had in any case become its sole owner by 1970.

Adams formed a technologically sophisticated race team led by Udo Gietl and Todd Schuster, both of whom were innovative fabricators and technicians. The team got off to a fine start in 1971, campaigning a thoroughly exotic 750cc machine in the American Motorcycle Association’s Formula 750 class with riders Reg Pridmore and Gary Fisher. Five years later, the Butler & Smith team switched to the R 90 S, and its extensively modified bikes finished 1-2 in the very first AMA Superbike championship, with Reg Pridmore taking the crown over teammate Steve McLaughlin.

The elation of that championship would be short-lived, at least where Butler & Smith was concerned. Having taken over U.S. automobile sales and distribution from Max Hoffman in March 1975, BMW of North America was looking to do the same for its motorcycles. Dr. Adams resisted the takeover, and in 1978 filed suit to retain his distributorship. BMW of North America prevailed in September 1980, and that October saw the company take possession of the Butler & Smith operation at Walnut and Hudson streets in Norwood, New Jersey.

The new division was led by vice-president Jean-Pierre Bailby, who’d come to North America from BMW France. Joseph Salluzzo served as national sales manager, with Rolf Kettler as marketing manager. Below them, many of the motorcycle division’s employees were retained from Butler & Smith, at least temporarily.

“At that point, all of the employees in sales, parts, and service were Butler & Smith employees, wondering what happens next,” said Rob Mitchell. “Eventually, people from BMW NA started filling some positions. I came about six months later to head up advertising and promotion, taking over from Rolf Kettler, who’d been sent over temporarily from Germany. I’d been in sales training, and I got hired because I was the only person at NA who rode motorcycles. It was a real trial-by-fire.”

Mitchell worked out of an office in Norwood for the next two years, until the motorcycle division moved to BMW of North America’s headquarters in Montvale. In the interim, BMW NA began modernizing operations for sales and distribution, financing, and technical training. Imposing new standards allowed BMW to cut the number of U.S. dealers by half, from around 300 to 150. “Like Hoffman, Butler & Smith would sign you up as a dealer if you purchased $500 worth of parts and a [BMW] sign,” Mitchell said. “I visited one dealer in upstate New York that was in an extension of his house, and which had a dirt floor in the workshop. Once BMW NA put certain operating requirements for corporate signage, inventory, facilities, and technical training—all the normal dealership stuff—dealers like that, who weren’t willing to step up and make the investment, fell away.”

Replacing Butler & Smith with a modern, efficient sales subsidiary yielded tangible benefits, Mitchell said. “Back in the old days, you’d pick up the telephone and order a bike from Butler & Smith. Now you had a modern business culture for ordering bikes and parts, signing up for technical training, all of that. Some dealers were upset that they could no longer continue the way they had before, but those who stayed on found they could offer a lot more to customers. And the customers got way better support, too. It’s much better to go into a dealer and see dozens of new bikes rather than just one, plus accessories and people anxious to help you.”

As it had with the cars, BMW of North America was hoping to increase sales of BMW motorcycles in the U.S., and to take advantage of motorcycles’ burgeoning popularity in this country. (That phenomenon was due largely to the Japanese manufacturers, who marketed their lightweight motorcycles to young people as an alternative to cars, and as a “fun” alternative to heavyweight American machines.) Although hard data isn’t available for the years immediately before and after the transition, documents within the BMW Archive record declining export volumes to the U.S. in the mid 1970s: 10,553 units in 1974; 9,256 units in 1975; and 7,539 units in 1976. Presumably, imports declined further as the decade wore on. Mitchell doesn’t know the exact figures, but believes that Butler & Smith was selling perhaps 2,500 motorcycles per year by the time BMW of North America took over sales and distribution in 1980.

In 1985, the earliest year for which BMW NA data is available, the company sold 5,597 motorcycles in the U.S., followed by 6,078 in 1986. That number represented barely one percent of new motorcycles sold in the U.S. per annum, but it was a significant improvement nonetheless.

A new ad campaign helped. After an agency review, BMW’s motorcycle account was moved to Ammirati & Puris, which had created “The Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline that resonated so strongly with car buyers. For the motorcycles, Ammirati & Puris came up with another memorable slogan, “The Legendary Motorcycles of Germany,” which emphasized the company’s heritage at a time when BMW’s performance was somewhat tepid compared to that of the Japanese and Italian marques. Ammirati & Puris placed ads in the Wall Street Journal and Esquire magazine, hoping to reach upscale customers. This didn’t always work, Mitchell said. “Motorcyclists are grass-roots people, and prestige isn’t the biggest thing. It’s a very different group than the car people.”

More important, Mitchell said, was ensuring that BMW NA maintained a press fleet of new motorcycles, and staged press launches to ensure that new models were reviewed in motorcycle magazines. Those new models would themselves help BMW NA succeed, especially after the R 80 G/S caught on with adventure-touring riders following its 1980 introduction. “What started as an oddity—an 800cc, 400-pound dirt bike—became the most important segment, but it took probably ten years to really take off.”

In late 1983, BMW would enter another crucial segment, supplementing its longstanding boxer twin lineup with all-new K bikes powered by water-cooled three- and four-cylinder engines. “Even longtime boxer owners seemed genuinely excited by the K bikes,” Mitchell said. “There was clearly room for both within BMW.”

Today, BMW Motorrad USA offers a full range of motorcycles, from the entry-level G 310 R and GS to the Superbike-spec M 1000 RR, with all manner of touring, heritage, urban, and adventure bikes in between. A wide variety of engines is available, from singles to inline sixes, plus inline fours, Boxer and parallel twins, and even battery-powered scooters.

BMW Motorrad’s factories in Berlin and elsewhere around the world are busier than ever, turning out 209,257 bikes in 2023. Of those, 24,176 went to customers in Germany and 21,668 to France, while 17,017 were delivered to customers in the U.S., BMW Motorrad’s third-largest motorcycle market worldwide. That number constitutes only a small fraction of the half-million-plus motorcycles sold in the U.S. last year, but volume isn’t everything. BMW riders have long been among the industry’s most enthusiastic riders, especially when it comes to putting serious mileage on their machines. Just like John Penton’s R 69 in 1959, BMW motorcycles continue to carry their riders quickly and reliably from coast to coast…and beyond.

The post BMW North America Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary In The USA appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

He raced in the U.K. and on the Isle of Man and did motorcycle design work for Norton before legally immigrating from the U.K. to the United States. After arriving in California, he club raced, worked designing leathers, and later ran his own advertising and design agency before retiring in 2007 and moving to Tennessee with his wife Peggy.

He produced the Historic Racebike Illustrations feature in Roadracing World for decades and turned in his latest installment in the series shortly before his sudden death from cancer. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

See Mick Ofield’s official obituary here:

https://www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com/obituary/michael-mick-ofield

May he rest in peace.

This just in, from Editor At Large Michael Gougis:

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Buttonwillow, CA – TrackDaz has been forced to reschedule the highly anticipated event at the brand-new race track at Buttonwillow Raceway Park to February 15th and 16th, 2025. Originally slated for February 1st and 2nd, the event faced a last-minute challenge when a vendor reneged on their commitment to supply the essential Airfence softbarrier rental, critical for rider safety. Thanks to the support of Buttonwillow Raceway Park and the aid of the non-profit 501(c)(3) Roadracing World Action Fund, the event is back on track. This will mark the first motorcycle event to be held at the new venue named “The Circuit.”

Dustin Coyner, owner of TrackDaz, expressed his gratitude and unwavering commitment to safety: “We’ve been working for months to ensure that motorcycle events at the new Buttonwillow Raceway Park track prioritize safety above all else. When our vendor unexpectedly backed out, we were on the verge of canceling the event. However, the track management worked with us to find a solution and move the event to mid-February. We’re also incredibly thankful to John Ulrich from the Roadracing World Action Fund for stepping in and helping us secure the Airfence we need to make the event happen.”

For participants who have already registered, no further action is needed if the new dates work for you. If you are unable to attend on February 15th and 16th, TrackDaz will gladly reschedule your entry to another event.

https://www.roadracingworld.com/actionfund/donate/

TrackDaz owner Dustin Coyner explains the situation in the video linked to below:

https://youtu.be/NvStOLRDvmw

The post TrackDaz Reschedules First Event on New Buttonwillow Track appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Since January 19th 1945, MV Agusta has been creating masterpieces on two wheels, infused with innovation, beauty, and proudly handmade in Italy.

Logo OTTANTESIMO ANNIVERSARIO

MV Agusta celebrates its 80th anniversary, a remarkable milestone that tells a unique story of innovation, passion, and success in the world of motorcycling. Since 1945, MV Agusta has been synonymous with excellence in design, engineering, and motorcycle racing. Over eight decades, the Varese-based brand has set new standards for quality and performance, both on the racetrack, with its unmatched record of 75 world titles (38 riders and 37 manufacturers), and on the road, becoming an icon of Italian style and craftsmanship. Since its inception, MV Agusta has embodied the values of innovation, precision, and dedication, crafting models that have entered the mythology of motorcycling. Every motorcycle designed is the result of an enduring passion for performance, technical perfection, and aesthetic exploration — foundational principles of a philosophy that continues to inspire generations of riders and enthusiasts worldwide.
The Agusta family, a key player in the aviation industry, unable to produce airplanes immediately after World War II, decided to channel its passion for speed and technology into building motorcycles. On January 19th 1945, the Società Anonima Meccanica Verghera was officially founded in Cascina Costa di Samarate, near today’s Malpensa International Airport, in northern Italy.

The first MV Agusta-branded motorcycle was officially launched in the fall of 1945 and went down in history as the MV 98. The Agusta family’s love for aviation was clearly reflected in their motorcycles, giving them a true racing soul. With the MV 98, an extraordinary series of victories and successes began, dominating racetracks worldwide for decades. The aviation legacy is evident throughout MV Agusta’s 80-year history. A prime example is the iconic red and silver livery: while the red symbolizes Italy’s motorsport heritage, the silver pays homage to aviation, where wartime planes often left with their aluminum fuselages unpainted to save weight.

The mass production of automobiles in the 1950s and 1960s caused a significant decline in demand for motorcycles as a simple means of transportation. MV Agusta’s response was to develop increasingly innovative, high-performance models distinguished by constant aesthetic research. These bikes sparked desire as aspirational objects, overcoming the diminishing necessity of two-wheeled transportation. This strategy proved successful, thanks in part to the brand’s continued sporting triumphs.

Count Domenico Agusta had a knack for selecting the best riders, many of whom became motorcycling legends: Franco Bertoni, MV Agusta’s first rider, followed by Arcisio Artesiani, Carlo Ubbiali (“The Flying Chinaman”), Leslie Graham, Cecil Sandford, Fortunato Libanori, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Gianfranco Bonera, Giacomo Agostini, and Phil Read. During the 30 years of the Agusta era, their victories intertwined with the legacy of legendary MV Agusta production models. The partnership between MV Agusta and Giacomo Agostini remains the most famous in motorcycling history: during his career on Cascina Costa’s bikes, “Ago” won 13 world titles, 18 Italian championships, and 10 Tourist Trophies, becoming the most successful rider in motorcycling history.

MV Agusta’s 80 years are marked not only by countless sporting successes but also by the creation of true collector’s items, highly sought after by enthusiasts worldwide. Examples include the 175 CSS of 1954, nicknamed “Disco Volante”, the 1973 750 S “America”, the legendary F4 launched in 1997, whose variants have captivated generations of motorcyclists, and the iconic Brutale, still considered the epitome of naked bikes. In 2010, with the F3 — the world’s first motorcycle to feature a counter-rotating crankshaft — MV Agusta adopted a technical solution that revolutionized handling and stability in mid-sized sports bikes.

Recent history has been marked by models such as the Rush, Dragster, Turismo Veloce, and Superveloce, each embodying the brand’s DNA of innovation, performance, and beauty. In 2024, MV Agusta took another bold step forward with the Enduro Veloce, redefining the adventure bike segment with a project that combines performance, advanced technology, and sophisticated design.

MV Agusta’s creations are not only milestones in motorcycling but also recognized as true works of art. Some have earned places in the world’s most renowned design and art museums.

The Superveloce, unveiled in 2018, with its neo-retro aesthetic which stunned the world was chosen by American artist Daniel Arsham to create six of his “modern relics.” The artist selects icons of contemporary pop culture and reworks them using his erosion technique, transforming them into objects that merge classic aesthetics with a forward-looking perspective. In 2024, the Superveloce Arsham, the most exclusive motorcycle in history, was showcased in the Arsham 3024 exhibition during the Venice Biennale.
The name Superveloce evolved further in 2024 with the final version of the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro. Produced in just 500 units, this motorcycle was instantly hailed as “the world’s most beautiful bike.” Its beauty inspired Hollywood director Nicholas Winding Refn, who created a short film titled “Beauty Is Not A Sin,” selected for the Venice Film Festival’s official lineup — the first commercial project ever to achieve this honor.

“Motorcycle Art,” the slogan that accompanies MV Agusta, embodies the artistic and artisanal dimension of the brand, elevating it beyond mere motorcycle manufacturing to a true factory of dreams on two wheels, upholding authentic Made in Italy as a core value.

Today, MV Agusta looks to the future with the same pioneering spirit that has defined its legacy. With a focus on technological innovation, connectivity, and strengthening relationships with dealers and customers, the brand continues to create unique motorcycles that seamlessly blend tradition and modernity.

As a tribute to this glorious history, MV Agusta has crafted the 2025 Collezione Ottantesimo, unveiled last November at EICMA. The Centro Stile MV Agusta redesigned the historic logo for this occasion, replacing the traditional emblem on all motorcycles in the collection.

The six celebratory models (800 Series 3-cylinder range: Brutale RR Ottantesimo, Dragster RR Ottantesimo, F3 RR Ottantesimo, and Superveloce S Ottantesimo – 1000 Series 4-cylinder range: Brutale 1000 Ottantesimo and Brutale 1000 RR Ottantesimo), all produced in a limited series of just 500 units, are identifiable by a laser engraving, “1 of 500,” located either on the steering plate or on the tank protection plate, depending on the model. Each motorcycle dedicated to the 80th Anniversary comes with its respective certificate of authenticity.

The 80th Anniversary Collection celebrates a glorious history of passion, success, and performance that, over 80 years, has brought true Made in Italy to the top of the world more times than anyone else. It has gifted works of art in the form of motorcycles and made generations of enthusiasts and lovers of design, mechanics, and beauty dream and fall in love, always staying true to its vision.

Luca Martin, CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., stated: “Being part of MV Agusta during such a significant year in its history is a unique emotion and a great responsibility. This milestone is not only a tribute to our legacy but also a commitment to the future: to continue innovating while maintaining the values that have made MV Agusta a global icon. We are proud to represent Italian excellence, recognized last December at Montecitorio with the ‘100 Italian Excellences’ award, a testament to our craftsmanship, exclusivity, and passion. Every MV Agusta motorcycle in the world comes entirely, and solely, from our beautiful factory on the shores of Lake Varese. The knowledge of working in the only place where these dreams take shape is a source of immense pride for all of us.”

The post MV Agusta Celebrates 80th Anniversary appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

TOUR VISITING 13 CITIES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

On Tuesday, January 14th, Triumph Motorcycles kicks off the “Triumph Icons Tour,” a 13-city journey celebrating the iconic craftsmanship and innovation that Triumph is renowned for. The tour will showcase an impressive lineup of all-new motorcycles for 2025, poised to set new benchmarks in performance, design, and adventure.

To honor this wave of groundbreaking motorcycles, Triumph will host exclusive one-night-only events in each city during January and February. These events will give riders an unparalleled first look at the new 2025 models before they arrive in dealerships. Each event promises live entertainment, engaging activations, and light food and beverages, enveloping the new motorcycle reveals.

Adam VanderVeen, Marketing Director for Triumph Motorcycles America, said, “The Triumph Icons Tour is not just a showcase of new models, it’s a celebration of the passion, innovation, and community that Triumph represents, which has attracted so many iconic riders over the years. These events are a unique opportunity for our fans to connect with the brand and their local riding community, while getting up close and personal with the latest Triumph motorcycles.”

Honoring Triumph’s Legendary Riders

Throughout its storied history, Triumph has been the motorcycle of choice for many iconic riders, from Steve McQueen’s legendary desert racing to Evel Knievel’s gravity-defying stunts. The Triumph Icons Tour celebrates this rich heritage, connecting the groundbreaking motorcycles of today with the legendary riders who have shaped the brand’s identity.

Featured Models (with more on display)

Scrambler 1200 Icon Limited Edition

A tribute to Triumph’s off-road heritage, the Scrambler 1200 Icon Limited Edition features rugged capability with enhanced aesthetics. Equipped with premium suspension, torque-rich performance, and cutting-edge technology, it’s built for riders who demand both adventure and style.

Speedmaster Icon Limited Edition

The Speedmaster Icon Limited Edition brings a new level of sophistication to the Bonneville cruiser lineup. With premium finishes, exclusive detailing, and a comfortable riding position, this model blends timeless British style with modern performance for the ultimate cruising experience.

Tiger Sport 800

The Tiger Sport 800 redefines versatility, offering exceptional performance for both long-distance touring and urban commuting. Its lightweight chassis, advanced electronics, and powerful triple engine ensure a smooth, thrilling ride in any setting.

TF 450-RC

The TF 450-RC marks Triumph’s entry into the competitive 450 motocross arena. Designed in collaboration with Ricky Carmichael, it features an all-new lightweight frame, high-performance suspension, and a race-tuned engine, delivering class-leading power and agility straight out of the crate.

Speed Twin 1200

Combining iconic style with modern engineering, the Speed Twin 1200 offers unparalleled roadster performance. Its updated chassis, advanced braking system, and enhanced engine make it a dynamic choice for riders seeking the perfect balance of power and precision.

Speed Twin 1200 RS

The Speed Twin 1200 RS takes the acclaimed Speed Twin platform to new heights with track-focused upgrades. Featuring higher performance components, refined handling, and advanced rider aids, it delivers an exhilarating experience for performance enthusiasts.

The Triumph Icons Tour is free and open to all. Guests must register to attend. To RSVP and find details about each tour location, visit TriumphOnTour.com.

Tour Dates and Locations:

Date City, State

1/14 Orlando, FL

1/16 Charlotte, NC

1/18 Richmond, VA

1/21 Milwaukee, WI

1/22 Ft Wayne, IN

1/23 Cleveland, OH

1/24 Indianapolis, IN

1/27 Kansas City, MO

1/31 San Diego, CA

2/1 Los Angeles, CA

2/11 Dallas Fort Worth, TX

2/12 Austin, TX

2/13 Houston, TX

The Icons Tour is free and open to all. Guests must register to attend. All guests may RSVP and find details about each tour location at TriumphOnTour.com.

The post Triumph Icons Tour Visiting 13 Cities Across The USA appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) proudly announces a new, long-term, multi-discipline title sponsorship.

Motobilia.com will be the title sponsor for the 2025 through 2027 AHRMA Road Race, Off-Road (including Motocross and Cross Country), and Dirt Track competition seasons.

Motobilia is renowned for its dedication to preserving motorcycle history through its extensive collection of motorcycles, memorabilia, and parts, and the new partnership with Motobilia.com aligns perfectly with AHRMA’s mission to Keep the Past Fast.

This multi-year sponsorship marks a significant milestone for AHRMA as it continues to celebrate the vibrancy and legacy of historic motorcycle racing.

The AHRMA Road Racing Series Presented by Motobilia.com will take place at some of the finest road racing venues in the United States starting each year in February and finishing each October at the Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, Alabama. Racers from across the country will compete in a broad range of classes on a wide range of vintage and modern road race motorcycles.

The AHRMA National Motocross and Cross Country Series Presented by Motobilia.com run across nine regions nationwide in three different categories: Vintage, Post Vintage, and Next Gen for both MX and Cross Country. The total number of races far surpasses 100.

The AHRMA Dirt Track Series presented by Motobilia.com will partner with several high-profile venues/sanctioning bodies which will add significant excitement to the 2025 AHRMA Dirt Track National Championship Series.

“Having a near 40-year history with AHRMA was certainly key to exploring this association, but it was not the deciding factor,” said Rick Doughty, Motobilia Executive Director, “Instead, it is the newfound philosophy within the organization from Dan May, his team, and the board of trustees, of an open-minded approach to the world of ‘vintage’ motorcycles.”

Doughty continued, “AHRMA recognizes the undeniable truth that new motorcycles one day become vintage and vintage motorcycles one day become antique. Navigating that ever-changing landscape will take considerable thought and planning to keep the sport vital. AHRMA is well positioned and structured to accomplish that goal. We are very much looking forward to the synergistic benefits that this joint effort represents. Not just for our organizations, but for the entire motorcycling community.”

“We are proud to have Motobilia as our Title Sponsor across the AHRMA racing disciplines.” said Daniel May, AHRMA Executive Director. “We look forward to the partnership as both AHRMA and Motobilia continue to expand the public awareness of vintage motorcycle racing and the rich history that comes along with it.”

“We are excited to support AHRMA over these three significant years,” said Doughty. “Our brand is all about celebrating the stories behind the machines, and sponsoring these disciplines allows us to bring that narrative to life in a very tangible way for the racing community.”

About Motobilia

Motobilia.com is the premier online destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, offering a curated collection of high end bikes of all eras. With a passion for the culture and history of motorcycling, we connect collectors and riders with rare, authentic motobilia from around the globe. We have quickly morphed into a magazine-style site that shines a light on the most interesting people, places and things in the world of motorcycling. Racing, riding, restoring and ruminating are all well represented.

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

The post AHRMA: Motobilia Signs As National Road Racing, Dirt Track & Off Road Sponsor appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

When the class switched to MotoGP and Yamaha could not supply us with bikes, we built the WCM MotoGP machines and ran Chris Burns, David de Gea, James Ellison, Franco Battaini and Youichi Ui.

Bob did all of this and built a huge population of friends around the world, far beyond the riders involved: The team members all looked up to Bob and appreciated his wonderful drive and good humor as well as unwavering support. Bob MacLean was unique and very special. May he rest in peace…

 

More, from the November 2018 issue of Roadracing World:

The post WCM Co-Owner Peter Clifford Remembers Partner Bob MacLean (Updated) appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Suzuki Motos do Brazil issued this statement, and more information will be posted when it becomes available:

Former Suzuki Global President Osamu Suzuki Dies

It is with deep sorrow that we receive the news of the passing of Suzuki Motor Corporation Senior Advisor Osamu Suzuki at the age of 94.

To respect the wishes of deceased, funeral services were held only for family members. The company plans to hold a farewell  meeting at a later date.

President of Suzuki Motos do Brazil, Joao Toledo mourned the death of the former president, who he had the honor of meeting on a few occasions during the more than three decades in which he has represented the brand in Brazil. “We are deeply sorry for the loss of Osamu Suzuki. His contribution and legacy will always be remembered with fondness and respect. May his soul rest in peace and may his family find comfort in this time of sorrow.”

Married to the granddaughter of the company founder, Osamu Suzuki joined Suzuki Motor in April 1958. In 1963 he was appointed director. In June 1978 he took over the company’s presidency, a position he held until 2016, when he handed over the position to his son, Toshiro Suzuki. In 2021, at the age of 91, he was appointed Senior Advisor.

More, From The Japan Times:

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2024/12/27/companies/osamu-suzuki-obituary/

More, From Kyodo News:

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/97880bcb8497-update1-suzuki-motors-former-longtime-leader-osamu-suzuki-dies-at-94.html

The post RIP: Osamu Suzuki, Who Led Suzuki Motor For Decades, Dead at 94 appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Three featured classes will recognize significant motorcycle brands and anniversaries: Italian Innovation by Bimota, Tribute to Yoshimura, and Celebrating 45 Years of the BMW GS.

Engineering excellence will take the spotlight at next year’s event with the Italian Innovation by Bimota class. Globally recognized for its advanced engineering, lightweight frames and trailblazing spirit, Bimota has customized top models for some of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers, including Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki. Bimota has also produced several popular models of its own, including the Tesi H2, BB3, DB1 and YB4 EI.

The Tribute to Yoshimura class will highlight Yoshimura’s long-standing dedication to high-performance motorcycles and racing. Founded by Hideo “Pops” Yoshimura in 1954, the company has set the gold standard for engine tuning and parts for the motorcycle industry, including industry-leading aftermarket exhausts, such as the famous 4-into-1 pipe for the Kawasaki Z1. Yoshimura has also had a significant presence in motorsport. The Yoshimura Suzuki Road Race Team and Team Yoshimura Suzuki motocross and supercross teams have won more than 30 AMA, WORCS and GNCC titles.

Celebrating 45 years since its creation, the BMW GS is known for its versatility, comfort and off-road capabilities and has set the benchmark for adventure motorcycles worldwide. The GS name comes from the German phrase “Gelände/StraBe,” meaning “terrain/street,” and the iconic bike can be distinguished from other BMW models by its upright riding position, longer travel suspension and larger front wheel. BMW continues to define the adventure touring segment, with millions of GS models delivered across the globe.

“Over the last 15 years, The Quail MotoFest has become an annual staple for motorcycle fans on the West Coast,” said Courtney Ferrante, director of The Peninsula Signature Events, The Quail. “The reimagined event combines exceptional and rare motorcycles coupled with something for the entire family to enjoy.”

In addition to the featured classes, The Quail MotoFest will also include 10 traditional classes, including American, British, Italian, Other European, Japanese, Competition On Road, Competition Off Road, Antique, Custom/Modified and Choppers.

The festivities get underway with The Quail Ride on Friday, May 16. Participants will depart from The Quail Golf Club on a 100-mile journey through the back roads of the stunning Monterey Peninsula, including parade laps around WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, a midday lunch and an evening dinner. Vintage and modern motorcycles are welcome, but limited spots are available.

The Quail is currently accepting entrant applications for the event. Tickets to The Quail MotoFest will be available in January 2025. For more information or to inquire about entering a bike in the show, visit www.peninsula.com/en/signature-events and follow the action on Facebook and Instagram @TheQuailEvents.

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