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C.A.O. Cigars to Give Away Motorcycle

Filed under: Cigars

Cigar company C.A.O. International is partnering with custom motorcycle builder Sucker Punch Sally's to put a lucky cigar smoker on the back of a new bike. The ride, which hasn't been created yet, will be inspired by C.A.O. cigars and should be a dream for anyone with a passion for sticks and speed. The design reaches back to the 1950s, with a minimalist approach and a shortened rear fender – from which the appellation "bobber" is derived.

So, which cigar inspired what will undoubtedly be a monument to manliness and power?

The C.A.O. America cigar is the culprit. It's a full-bodied smoke that is best consumed after you've had a meal (even if you normally enjoy heavier cigars. It's made in Honduras with two wrapper leaves: one's Connecticut shade, and the other is a chocolate brown broadleaf.

Before a lucky winner receives the motorcycle, it will be taken around the United States – to both bike rallies and cigar shops. If you're in Henderson, Nevada on June 4, look for it at the Tobacco Leaf. Finally, next spring, the bike will be given to a randomly selected winner at a party to be held at C.A.O. headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

Vintage Motorcycles to be Showcased at Pebble Beach for the First Time

Filed under: Wheels, Events, The Classicist



The annual Legend of the Motorcycle concours may have been canceled for 2009, but classic two-wheel motor aficionados have good cause to take heart as the organizers of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance have announced that, for the first time in the event's history – now spanning nearly six decades – classic motorbikes will be included.

Citing an increased enthusiasm for vintage motorcycles and the important role they played in the development of the automobile, organizers of the annual event, considered one of the most prestigious in America, have opened this summer's event for British motorbikes produced before 1959. Show-goers can expect to see a wide array of Triumphs, Nortons, Vincents and more, including the example pictured above on which legendary rider Rollie Free set the land speed record at the Bonneville salt flats in 1948, clocking in at 150 mph wearing nothing more than a bathing suit, swim cap and sneakers.

Two New Watches from Ducati

Filed under: Apparel, Timepieces, Sports

Ducati One - $2,500Ducati has unveiled two new watches for Spring 2009, a new version of the Ducati One, which we first covered last fall, and the Ducati Corse (after the jump).

The Swiss-made Performance Time Ducati watches are made with sapphire glass, plus technologically advanced cases and watchstrap materials that include steel and titanium. In case watches and motorcycles aren't your only hobbies, the watches are guaranteed waterproof up to a pressure of 10 atmospheres.

The $2,500 Ducati One evokes Italian-made motorcycle images like tire treads, wheels, and the elegant Ducati dashboard. It's made with black diamonds on the bezel and a crocodile strap.

Ducati Motorcyles - In Person

Filed under: Wheels, Events

Ducati Streetfighter
Those images they publish of motorcycles are so shiny and perfect. Here's a look at the way the bikes really appear in person (shiny and perfect).

These photos were taken at the Ducati New Year event on January 15, 2009. The event included a fashion show, boxing, and the unveiling of the new Ducati Streetfighter (pictured here on the loading dock before the show)!

For a closer look at the Streetfighter and a whole bunch of other great Ducati bikes, have a pass through this gallery:

New Ducati Watches from Binda

Filed under: Timepieces, Wheels

Ducati and Swiss watchmaker Binda have released two new timepieces stemming from their collaboration that my colleague Deidre Woollard first wrote about last summer.

Styling of the Ducati One (right) is strongly influenced by the iconic Italian-made motorcycles, with several design characteristics reflecting engine and construction details, down to the tire tread strap.

The name of the second model, Desmo, is derived from the Desmodromic control system featured in all Ducati motorcycles. The steel and titanium chronograph, influenced by racing bikes, is water-resistant.

[via Motorbiker.org]

85 Years of BMW Motorcycles

Filed under: Wheels


All connoisseurs of beautiful design and objects, be they motorcycle enthusiasts or not, will appreciate The Art of BMW: 85 Years of Motorcycling Excellence, just out from Motorbooks. There over 100 of them in the stunning volume, as lovingly photographed as any assemblage of supermodels by Henry Von Wartenberg. Though the book covers the whole of the marque's illustrious history - all 85 years - author Peter Gantriis focuses on BMW's incredibly gorgeous pre-World War II models, many from the incomparable Peter Nettesheim Collection, such as the awesome R32 from 1925 (above). These are bikes of almost sculptural beauty - but don't take our word for it, see for yourself in the gallery.

Prince Harry Prepares For South Africa Motorcycle Trip

Filed under: Wheels, Celebrity Shopping, Charity


Prince Harry is one step closer to the motorcycle tour of Africa that he and his brother Prince William are planning; he has gotten his motor cycle license. He reportedly borrowed Prince William's Honda Blackbird to complete the test.

The brothers will make a 1,000-mile journey through South Africa and Lesotho similar to the trip by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman, in their television series Long Way Down. The off-road adventure will take one week and will raise money for orphans and victims of AIDS. The route and travel dates are being kept secret to protect the young princes.

Bonhams' $2 Million Motorcycle Auction

Filed under: Wheels, Auctions


On Monday, Bonhams will auction off an astounding collection of vintage motorcycles worth $2 million at the Royal Air Force Museum in London. The sale represents the largest single-owner collection of motorbikes ever to come to auction; all 300 machines are from the Professor Fritz Ehn Motorcycle Museum in Austria. Our favorite lots are two wicked - and wickedly fast - British-made Vincents: the 1955 998cc Black Prince, pictured here, est. $56,000 - $64,000; and a 1952 998cc Black Shadow, the fastest road-going vehicle of its time, est. $44,000 - $56,000.

Also included in the historic sale: a 1935 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50hp, ak.a. the "Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles" as driven by T. E. Lawrence (the famous Lawrence of Arabia), est. $50,000 - $60,000; a 1927 BMW 500cc R47, est. $36,000 - $44,000; a 1937 Ariel 995cc Square Four Model 4G, est. $20,000 - $24,000; as well as many other examples by Harley Davidson, Ducati, Triumph and more.

Limited Editon Motorcycle for NASCAR's 60th

Filed under: Wheels


NASCAR fans this one's for you! In celebration of NASCAR's 60th birthday a limited edition of 60 motorcycles, specially created to reflect the spirit of NASCAR racing in both design and speed, will be available for purchase first to NASCAR insiders and then to the public. Each bike in the series will be numbered 1-60 and will come with a specially commissioned painting by NASCAR artist Sam Bass. The limited number of motorcycles available to the public will go on sale May 28th, while the 60th model will be designated for a charity auction this summer.

MV Agusta Limited Edition Hydrogen and Wally Bikes

Filed under: Wheels


It's always interesting when companies collaborate, and it's no different in the case of Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta joining forces with both the clothing manufacturer Hydrogen and the luxury boat company Wally. The resulting limited edition bikes are spin-offs of MV Agusta's Brutale 910 and are appropriately called the Hydrogen Brutale 910 R and the Wally Brutale 910 R. Each of the bike designs are unique while still maintaining the lines and beauty that make the Brutale the bike that it is. Only 100 of each model will be produced.

The Renovatio Project

Filed under: Wheels


The Renovatio Project from Confederate has the most striking design I have ever seen on a motorcycle. The motorcycle has a 1686cc, 150bhp v-twin engine, a suspension of titanium and carbon fiber, LED lamps and carbon fiber wheels. The company, which had its headquarters destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, plans to release the bike next year. The name Renovatio means rebirth and this unique bike is definitely a rebirth of the motorcycle as we currently view it.

Thunder Struck Custom Motorcycles

Filed under: Wheels


The name of the company is Thunder Struck Customs and I confess to being a little thunderstruck myself looking at them. These are sexy low-slung custom motorcycles. A recent article in Street Chopper magazine recounts the story of the custom bike above which is meant to resemble a Ferrari. It was built with a 147 cubic inch Engenuity engine, baker 6 speed transmission, custom sheet metal, Thunderstruck Hammer exhaust and Thunderstruck Ego tripp wheels. You can't have this beauty but there are a handful of one-of-a-kind choppers for sale on the Thunder Struck website. My favorite is the dangerous looking black bike known as Lethal, which is selling for $35,000.

[via Street Chopper]

Vintages, A Resort For Motorcycles

Filed under: Journeys, Wheels

Motorcycle lovers are finally getting their own resort. Vintages is a new resort in New Mexico which will cater to motorcycle riders. The resort's flagship community in Datil, New Mexico is the first of potentially 20 such resorts which combine resort amenities like spa, restaurants and vintage wines with motorcycle rentals, race tracks and training areas. Members of the Vintages community will pay a membership fee and a yearly renewal. The resort will also be surrounded by residential areas.

Ride and Fly Race Tours

Filed under: Journeys, Wheels

We've talked about the Ride & Fly’s Motorcycle tours before. The tours let you travel around on motorcycles and then jet to the next location if you choose. This summer's tours offer the chance to follow NASCAR and Formula One races. From May to October, Ride and Fly will offer seven motorcycle trips between NASCAR races. Bikers can also ride between Montreal and Indianapolis for the two North American Formula One races. A guide accompanies each tour, encouraging rider to take the scenic route. Riders’ amenities can include motor homes with drivers, security, child care and catering. Tours are limited to a minimum of four motorcycles and a maximum of six.


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