When we attended the Annual AHRMA Racing Barber Vintage Festival for the first time in 2019 with all-electric Lightfighter v1, we had almost no expectations, especially when we entered the Pro Cup Race on a whim. After the high of the Laguna Seca race round this season though, “the return” crept into our collective sub-conscience, albeit along with loftier expectations.  Taking not one, but two v2 bikes to the hallowed ground of Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama in October would be the ultimate test to see just how far we’ve come in three seasons of development. And after a successful race weekend at Laguna, we were also anxious to see how well our setup translated to a very different track layout and surface. 

You might be used to seeing Harleys decked out in chrome, but this 40-year-old Honda might have them beat. Feast your eyes on this 1984 Honda VT700C that's up for sale in Salem, Ohio, coming to us from our sister site Hondashadow.net. Admittedly, I don't know much about these bikes so I'm going to go off the seller's listing. Originally a black bike, the chrome tank, side panels, and fender were a factory option – and a rare one at that. Not seen are the gold decals that are also part of the package but are not installed. Those, along with the original black tank, are included in the sale.

In this second segment of Alan Cathcart's interview with Markus Schramm, the retiring BMW Motorrad chief executive officer discusses the company's approach to electric mobility, and why hydrogen power may not be the answer for motorcycles and scooters.

The year 2023 has seen BMW Motorrad celebrating its Centenary as a motorcycle manufacturer, while also for the first time in the company’s history breaking through the 200K barrier in terms of annual production entering its anniversary year. In 2022, BMW saw 202,895 motorcycles and scooters sold – an increase of 4.4% compared to 2021. Germany remained the company’s largest single market, with 24,129 motorcycles and scooters sold there, while France also registered record sales with 21,223 vehicles delivered, 6.7% up on 2022. North America was the German company’s third largest market, with an 11% increase to 20,295 units sold, helped again by a record number of bikes delivered, this time in the USA (17,690 units/+10.4%).

For the right person, salvage-title motorcycles can be a great hack for scoring great deals on a bike you otherwise couldn't afford. The catch is that a salvage title usually means it's been in an accident and has damage the insurance company didn't want to bother fixing.

Have you heard of the Autocycle? If the answer is no, don't be ashamed. It's certainly an oddity, and in this case, only 326 examples were made. What we're looking at exactly is a 1986 Owosso Pulse Autocycle made by the Owosso Motor Car Company of Owosso, Michigan between 1985 and 1990. It's kind of like an enclosed streamliner you'd see making land-speed record attempts, with one wheel in front, another in back, and an outrigger with two more wheels jutting out from either side. But think of the outrigger more like training wheels on a bicycle – only one of those wheels is touching the ground at any time.

Talk about a bike I didn't know I wanted. Well, technically I don't, but I'd sure like the chance to twist the throttle on this. What we're looking at is a 2006 Harley-Davidson VRSC, built by ML Customs, which we found on our sister site, 1130cc.com. It's already unique because it has carbon fiber bodywork, but what makes this one really stand out is the supercharger on the side of the engine. It ads a bit of fiestyness to an engine that wasn't tame in the first place.

I'll be honest. I forgot about Honda's CTX700. Basically the cruiser version of Honda's ultra-commuter NC700X, the CTX700 faded from my memory banks. Maybe because it was underwhelming, maybe because it's about as vanilla as they come, or maybe because it's just plain ugly, the CTX700 failed to leave a lasting impression (the NC700X is a different story. I actually like it. But that's for another time).

Learning to ride a motorcycle, it’s said that to become proficient you should remove as many possible obstacles you can control which could distract you from the task at hand. And while this may seem like obvious advice, what is often overlooked is fitment – being totally comfortable on your bike.

The cool thing about motorcycles is that they can serve as time machines if you find an original, unmolested one. That's what we have here with this 2007 Ducati Monster S2R1000 found on our sister site DucatiMonster.org. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, this Monster looks to be nicely maintained, and with only 3800 miles on the clock, is basically new other than a fork seal that could use replacing.

These days the Triumph Speed Triple is considered relatively tame compared to the class of big displacement naked bikes, but one could argue the class wouldn't exist if it weren't for the Speed Triple. Originally introduced in 1994, this 1996 version, as found on our sister site TheSpeedTriple.com, is a rolling piece of history. And now it can be yours for $4000. Judging by the pics and the seller's description, it looks to be in fairly good shape for a 27-year-old bike, though the seller states the fork seals and tires are likey due for replacing soon. The full ad is copied below, but as always, if you're interested in the bike, click the link to go to the original listing and contact the seller.

One of the many uses of this space is to highlight odd, strange, or interesting motorcycles that are for sale on the internet – or even to highlight clever for-sale posts of otherwise ordinary motorcycles. Today, I think we've definitely achieved our goals for Friday Forum Foraging. This land speed racer was originally built in New Zealand, where it took multiple top-speed records. It was brought to the US in 2013, where it currently holds a speed record of 188.6 mph. All this from a 1,000cc four-cylinder engine plucked off a 2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000 (granted, with a couple of modifications). Not bad, eh?

Personally, I'd rather see this 1982 Honda CX500 Turbo get restored and put back on the road (it's so close), but I'm not blind to the fact there are people out there who covet the CX500 to turn into cafe racers or some other custom. Located in Washington DC, this seller came to the realization that many of us encounter when it comes to restorations (myself included): sometimes life just gets in the way. Now their loss is your gain. And for $3500, you could come away with a mechanically sound cult classic. It's got some scratches and dings, and could use a proper install of the fairing, but that all seems like minor stuff for an otherwise ready-to-ride motorcycle.

Some would say BMW's K1200LT doesn't get the credit it deserves for being an uber touring rig. Probably because a certain Honda Gold Wing keeps stealing all the touring thunder. However, if you're looking to do some serious touring, don't have a lot of money, but do have ambition and just a little bit of knowledge on how to fix stuff, this 2000 K1200LT is calling your name.

Some girls spend their time talking about love and life. Others work together to advance their careers. But these two friends are joining forces to follow a passion. To set some impossible goals and push each other to reach them. Anastasia (Ana for short) plans to go the distance at the Dakar Rally. And Kyra intends to punish herself to no end at Romaniacs. Both have a lot of hurdles standing in their way. And together, they hope to overcome them one-by-one. Ana’s ethos is “no excuses''. While Kyra’s rationale is that “the time is now”.

Apparently a cult classic among enthusiasts (I had no idea), you can help save this 1987 Honda Rebel 450 from the unfathomable fate of... its current owner. Found on our sister site, the Honda Rebel Forum, This person is tempted to chop the bike up and do irreversible harm to it in the name of customization, but he's relying on you to save this otherwise mostly-in-tact Rebel 450 and keep it in its current state. The modest $2000 he's asking would then go towards buying something else. Presumably something he or she won't feel so bad chopping up.

Riding affordable motorcycles, like we did in our $7000 Shootout, showcases just how much motorcycle you can get for not a lot of money. Which is good, because blowing your load on a bike without leaving any margin for gear is a bad idea. With four different riders, we give you four (mostly) different options for gear – including threads for women.

If you want to eat up miles in absolute comfort and travel at highway speeds effortlessly, with tons of power and a six-cylinder purr at your command, this 2019 BMW K1600GT is calling your name. This one comes to us from our sister site K1600forum.com, wherein the seller bought it with intentions of grand touring in mind, but life had other plans for him. This particular K1600GT has some choice upgrades like a Bren tune for added power, a top case, handlebar risers, and crash bars. Just to name a few. It looks like a great touring machine and is priced to sell at $16,000.

If you're like me, then any mention of a Nicky Hayden edition motorcycle automatically triggers thoughts of the Honda RC51 of the early 2000s. The bike that Nicky took to an AMA Superbike championship (back when the competition was extremely stiff), one could say it was also the bike that springboarded him to a career on the international stage.

It is with heavy heart that we must share some tragic news with you today.

Losing a friend is never easy, and recently the MV Agusta community lost one of its own. Motorcycle.com has no affiliation with the rider or his motorcycle, but when we came across this post from our sister site MVAgusta.net, we felt we had to pass it along. For sale is his nicely kept and tastefully modified 2007 F4RR 312. Back when it was introduced in 2007, the F4RR 312 was the ultimate F4. Backed by its 1078cc inline-Four, the RR was capable of going 193 mph – or, you guessed it, 312 kph.

Multiple outlets are reporting that Ducati is preparing a new touring-focused version of the Supersport 950, based on a filing released by the California Resources Board for a “Supersport T” and “Supersport S T”. Motorcycle.com can confirm that the CARB filing is real, but everyone seems to be getting what the “T” stands for wrong.

If it weren't for the Suzuki Hayabusa, the Honda Blackbird would be far better known. A case of bad timing, I guess. Still, that doesn't take away from the fact the Blackbird was, and still is, one fast motorcycle. And much like the 'Busa, with the right accessories, it makes for one hell of a sport-touring rig, too. This is the perfect example.

Boots: Alpinestars Supertech R Vented

Loyal Motorcycle.com readers will know I have a soft spot for the Suzuki SV650 – as many people do. A lot's been said about what a great bike it is and how it can please riders of all ages and skill levels. Many of us are also of the mindset that the earlier, pre-Gladius and pre-SFV650, versions are more desirable. The problem is that, as time goes on, earlier models are getting harder to find – at least in good condition.

The approach to turn one at the Brno Circuit comes at the end of a long straight. A series of marker boards alert you to the start of the turn. First there’s a 300-meter marker, then 200. The throttle’s been pinned for a few seconds already by the 300m board, and you keep it there at 200m, too. The punchy 890cc parallel-Twin is screaming at the top of fifth gear, and it’s not until the moment you pass the 100m board that you let off and reach for the brakes. It’s scary at first, as the first apex is coming at you quickly, but you learn to trust the brakes.

You just can't beat a scooter when it comes to good, practical commuting. And the Suzuki Burgman 650 is a great representative of the category. With ample power from its 650cc Twin, it's equally at home getting you to and from the office as it is going on a touring ride – with a few choice upgrades. Mainly proper backrests. Backrests, mind you, this 2006 Burgman 650 comes with.

Harley-Davidson had a pretty eventful second quarter of 2023, with the launch of two new CVO models, the Fast Johnnie Enthusiast collection, the Electra Glide Highway King Icon model, as well as a pause in production due to part supply issues. And, of course, Harley-Davidson just held its big 120th anniversary homecoming celebration, though technically that happened during the third quarter. Putting that big shindig aside, it was quite a busy few months for the Motor Company.

Riding through the little village of Samarate in Varese, Italy, the roads are narrow, with flats adorning one side – usually two or three stories high – and fields and trees adorning the other. Cars parked along the road make the narrow street even tighter, and the foot traffic marching to the church can clog the streets on a Sunday. It’s a sleepy little town and is remarkably easy to miss. You can ride right on through, from one end to the other, and dismiss the town entirely. Except for the little house with a helicopter – four, actually – resting on the lawn under canvas tarps. They’re so out of place in this little town that it’s hard not to stop and wonder what they’re doing there. That’s when you realize you’ve reached the Museo Agusta, or the MV Agusta museum.

Rare motorcycles are always fun to talk about, and this 1975 MV Agusta 750S America is no exception. One of only 200 built over a two-year production run, the 750S America was lobbied into existence by racer Jim Cotherman and distributor Chris Garville who traveled to Italy, in 1974. There, they convinced MV's management to evolve the existing 750S into a limited-edition luxury sport bike tailored for the American market with more power and styling cues from MV's contemporary race bikes that dominated racing in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Hence the 37-star graphic on the fuel tank celebrating 37 world championships.

For years, if you wanted to be protected by Alpinestars, you could get all kinds of coverage from your toes all the way to your… neck. The single piece of protective gear missing – and it was a glaring hole in the company portfolio – was helmets. The dirt guys got their wishes answered a few years back with the Supertech M10 helmet, but street and track riders were still missing out.

This is a cool find, especially for vintage BMW heads. Here we have not one, but two BMWs – and the newer one is 50 years old! The first is a 1970 R50/5 and the second is a 1973 R75/6. Both are located in Vermont, and surprisingly, the owner says these were daily riders. In fact, they'll continue to be until someone buys them from him.

Was it a simulation?  The brilliant sunshine, cloudless skies, zero precipitation, and 70-degree daily temperatures for the entire fortnight of 2023 Isle of Man TT was the best weather I’ve ever experienced in 14 trips here. Hell, it was the best stretch of weather I’ve ever experienced on a vacation, anywhere. And it made for a memorable TT for the tens of thousands of enthusiasts on the annual hejira to this unequalled motorbike racing festival.

Tires, oftentimes, are the unsung heroes of the motorcycling world. We use ’em – sometimes abuse ’em – and then toss ’em in the gutter and go buy another. When you consider the demanding burden that these black hoops are expected to manage, and now, more than ever, multitask, it’s an arduous assignment that rarely gets its due. It’s easy to forget the amount of time and money dumped into R&D to make tires what they are today.

Michael Dunlop, Peter Hickman, Dean Harrison. These three riders have been dominating the podium at the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races, pushing each other relentlessly for up to 226 miles per race around the most punishing course in all of motorsports, thrilling the fans that line the roads on hedges, grandstands and pubs.

The 1980s may not have been a particularly good era for Harley-Davidson, but that doesn't mean some of the bikes that came out of Milwaukee haven't withstood the test of time. Here, this 1982 Harley-Davidson Tour Glide is a perfect example. Its cream paint and brown seat are fantastically 1980s Harley and it looks to be in good shape, too – all the way down to the 80ci V-Twin with, get this, 365,000 miles! This Tour Glide was upgraded with some choice bits like the radio, Sharknose fairing, luggage rack, and much more. All this for $5,000. You can decide for yourself whether that's a deal or not, but it sure would be fun to see this Harley cover another 365,000 miles.

We rode together a lot, as a young couple. But later, when we were married and beginning to build a family, Julie found she wasn’t as interested in motorcycles. As our children grew into adulthood, she became interested again, but with caveats involving comfort: The ride mustn’t be too hot, or too cold, or last more than a couple of hours at a stretch.

Greetings from the Isle of Man, where I am bathing in unprecedented warmth and sunshine for the 2023 TT races, my 14th trip to this remarkable event. Qualifying week has seen immaculate conditions. Michael Dunlop, Dean Harrison and Peter Hickman are all turning 134 mph laps (UPDATE: Dunlop has now set an unofficial lap record of 135.531 mph during the last day of Superbike qualifying! -Ed.). Hickman hit an unprecedented 202.3 mph at the Sulby speed trap. Dunlop has unofficially smashed his own SuperTwin lap record by five seconds, and the sidecars are hitting nearly 120 mph per lap. In practice sessions! It is going to be a mega- TT, and you should subscribe to TT+ streaming.

Unless you’re a world-class rally racer, an afternoon spent riding with Red Bull Factory KTM’s Toby Price aboard his booming 450 isn’t a common experience. Note I said riding with, and not alongside Price. The only time I was alongside the man was when he stopped and I caught up. End the day with a cozy fireside chat including Price, Monster Energy Honda’s Ricky Brabec, and Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Skyler Howes and you’ve the ingredients for memorable uniqueness.

Imagine doing what you do for a living and at the end of the day being thrilled you’re still alive. - Lee Johnston

Scam or steal? You decide.

Today's Friday Forum Foraging feature comes to you from MO's very own classifieds section, and the most expensive motorcycle I could find currently listed: a 1937 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead EL in which the seller is asking for a cool $110,000.

2008 R1200 GSA.

By the time you read this, this ultra-clean 2009 Suzuki V-Strom 650 could very well be sold. If it's not, and you're looking for one, this looks to be a great buy. This example comes to us from our sister site stromtrooper.com. The V-Strom 650 needs no introduction, as it's one of the most versatile street bikes ever made. Power comes from Suzuki's workhorse – the 645cc V-Twin first seen in the SV650, with iterations of the same basic engine still in production today, 20-something years later.

Harley-Davidson reported its 2023 Q1 numbers today, and the financial results were generally positive, with significant increases in motorcycle shipments, revenue, net income and earnings per share compared to the same quarter of 2022. The news wasn’t all rosy however, as retail sales were down, and LiveWire has yet to find its footing since branching into a separate brand.

Even when I'm not on the hunt for something, I like the thrill of finding a (potentially) good deal. What we have here could possibly be that bike. This 1998 Honda Valkyrie comes to us from our sister site/forum F6CForum.com, where for the measly sum of $2500 US dollars, you could walk away with this mostly complete Valkyrie with less than 4,000 miles on the clock.

Where do we even start with this one? Found on our sister site, CTX1300forum.com, there’s a lot to talk about with this CTX1300. Though I suppose we could start with the CTX1300 itself. If you don’t remember, the CTX1300 is a little bit like a space-age cruiser. You’ve got that long and low appearance we’re used to with cruisers, but with a very distinct, almost futuristic, style that clearly can’t be lumped in with your traditional cruiser. Honda was going somewhere with this, we’re just not sure where. Then there’s the engine. Based on the VFR1200 V4, this compact four-cylinder packed a healthy amount of power and driveability, along with a very cool soundtrack to boot.