Motorcycle Headlines: U.S. New-Bike Sales to Top a Million; Teenage Heroes; Pigskin Custom

Motorcycle recalls. Your loud pipes are making you deaf. Honda's impact in America. The "Globe of Death" is still thrilling. Frances kills bikers. Ducati wants Aprilia. Plus lots of happy statistics.

U.S. Motorcycle Sales Are Booming
U.S. sales of new motorcycles are likely to top a million units for the first time in decades. This first story offers little actual detail, though the second one looks at gas prices as a driving force. Maybe people are realizing that motorcycles actually do get better mileage than those hybrid cars.
KUSA TV, CO
Cincinnati Post, OH
WIS TV, SC

Are Your Riding More Now?
Our sister-site MotorcyclistOnline, would like your vote on whether you are riding more for transportation as fuel costs have risen. The poll is down on the left side of the home page.
Motorcyclist Magazine Online

Motorcycling Stats
This article lists many motorcycle sales and demographics figures, if you can deciper them.
Newsday, NY

Teenage Heroes Save Rider After Crash
These teenagers recognized that the rider was about to crash, then applied what they saw on TV to save his life after he severed his leg.
LaPorte Herald-Argus, IN
South Bend Tribune, IN

Progress in Wisconsin
Fatality figures are down after last year's record, but still above normal
Appleton Post Crescent, WI

List of Motorcycle Recalls
About.com now has a list of recently recalled motorcycles, by brand
About.com

Loud Pipes Cost Hearing..
Earplugs are a great accessory for your loud pipes.
Dr. Koop

...And Create Enemies
When you are making the the local city council member sleep with earplugs, your pipes are too loud.
WJAR TV, RI
New York Times, NY
Providence Journal, RI
WLNE TV, RI

The Impact of Honda's American Factories
Honda was the second Japanese company to build motorcycles in America but the first to make cars here. That decision changed things in the U.S. and Japan. The view 25 years later.
Columbus Business First, OH
Japan Today
Cincinnati Enquirer, OH

"Globe of Death" Still Wows Them at the Fair
The Fearless Flores Circus and Thrill Show perform at the Eastern Idaho State Fair.
Idaho State Journal, ID

Frances Kills Four Motorcyclists
Two couples hit a a downed tree. Their speed on the dark road was estimated at 70 mph.
Daytona News-Journal, FL

Superbowl-Themed Chopper
This bike pays homage to the Patriots, featuring a four-inch replica of the Lombardi Trophy over the headlight, logos from the two Super Bowls the Patriots won, and a seat covered with the same leather material used for footballs.
Record-Journal, CT

Ducati Still Wants Aprilia
Italy's motorcycle-industry drama continues.
Parts Magazine, CA

For more breaking motorcycle news, visit the home page of www.MotorcycleCruiser.com.

If you have questions or comments about the stories referred to here or have seen an article that you think we should include, email Motorcycle Cruiser's web editor at Art.Friedman@primedia.com or at ArtoftheMotorcycle@hotmail.com.