2002 Honda Vtx 1800 on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Top Motorcycle News of 2009

The year is coming to a close so let’s take a look back at the top stories of 2009 in the world of motorcycles after the jump. Buell Motorcycles Shut Down Harley-Davidson made the shocking announcement Oct. 15 it would discontinue Buell Motorcycles.

Capirossi Announces Retirement at Conclusion of 2011 Season

Loris Capirossi announced he will retire at the end of the 2011 MotoGP season, closing off a quarter century of racing including 22 years at the Grand Prix level and three World Championships. “It’s an important moment in my career, and the decision I made has come about after a lot of reflection,” says Capriossi. “I’m happy that after 25 years, of which 22 were in the world championship, I’m at a point where I can still have a smile on my lips as I part ways, even if it’s difficult to think that I won’t be riding a bike next year.” The announcement was made during a press conference at Misano for the upcoming San Marino Grand Prix, the final Italian stop of the 2011 season.

Electric Honda Motorcycle to Debut Next Year

According to Honda’s head of motorcycle operations, Tatsuhiro Oyama, the lithium-ion battery powered motorcycle will target corporate customers which may include Japan Post and delivery companies, the bike will debut in Japan next year. Oyama, made the announcement on August 1st at a test drive event in Motegi, Japan. Honda started building a battery factory earlier this year with joint-venture partner GS Yuasa, manufacturing batteries for Honda’s electric hybrid cars but Oyama declined to disclose the motorcycle battery supplier.