Thunderbirds are go: Triumph has unveiled its all-new 1600cc cruiser, aptly named the Thunderbird.However. you'll have to wait til 2010 for an Australian release. The Thunderbird features an all-new parallel twin-cylinder engine with six-speed gearbox and belt drive. Designed to take on the best in the cruiser category, combining sleek and modern custom styling with strong performance and great dynamics, the Thunderbird delivers an authentic cruiser experience in a uniquely Triumph package.

R rated naked beauty. What was BMW thinking? The world’s most powerful production naked bike? 163bhp (120kW)? 0-100kmh in 2.6 seconds? On paper it sounds like an angry, testosterone-filled monster – and yes, it can be, but it is so much more... Read our review in Issue 12.

Yamaha dealers are holding a massive clearance sale. Nearly all models have huge discounts of up to $1900 thanks to a variety of promotions. For example, In June only there will be a huge clearout of 2007 and earlier models with $1 per cc off every model at participating delaers, up to a maximum of $500. Big bore crusiers, fun bikes, WRFs, YZFs and selected ATVs all attract generous rebates, whereas customers looking for a capable touring bike will be able to receive free 12 months fully comp insurance when they purcahse an FJR1300A/AS super tourer or XVZ1300CT V4 cruiser using the special offer 7.99% YMF finance rate.

Leather and Lace at the Playboy mansion! Imagine getting a personalised tour of the grounds from a beautiful Playmate (and checking out the motorcycles at the same time). It's all there at the Leather and Lace Charity event at the Playboy mansion. Run by Motorcycle Charity Associates, the event will be held this year on October 4th. Head to http://www.motorcyclecharity.org to reserve your ticket, or just check out the pics from last year's inaugural event - gorgeous bikes!

Triumph's classy Daytona 675 has set another landmark by becoming the first motorcycle to win the prestigious Supertest trophy three years in a row. The British-built three-cylinder machine saw off competition from its Supersport-class rivals at the Almeria circuit in southern Spain. The Triumph set faster lap times than the four-cylinder Japanese machines which, combined with the testers' favourable comments, gave the Daytona 675 a clear advantage. Supertest is an annual event organised by 15 leading motorcycle magazines in the world with representation from Europe, Asia and the Americas. Each publication sends a test rider to the circuit, with each bike being scored on its best lap times and rider feedback. The Triumph remains unbeaten in the competition, having won each year since its introduction for the 2006 model year.

MV Agusta Italy and Paul Feeney Group have been successful in negotiating a new price structure for the current MV Agusta model range. The Brutale 910 starts now at $21,500 and the F4 range starts at $26,900 now. Prices including GST + dealer delivery and on road cost. 

More muscle from Suzuki: Following in the footsteps of the muscular Boulevard M109R, Suzuki has released details about the new, head-turning Boulevard C109R, set to arrive in Australia this month. The all-new Boulevard C109R combines a potent V-Twin engine with massive torque, stylish cruiser looks and sensational rider comfort. Redefining the term ‘broad powerband', the Suzuki's 1783cc, DOHC, 54 degree V-Twin powerplant delivers impressive torque throughout the rev range. It will retail for $17,990 plus onroads. We'll have full specs in the next issue of mototorq.

Supersports: The Germans are coming. Today sales in the 1,000-cc class are around 100,000 units worldwide. BMW has none of it. Zip. And Hendrik von Kuenheim, the new General Director of BMW Motorrad is not happy. That is, up until now. Today he confirmed their entry into the Superbike World Championship by announcing that in compliance with the rules of the Series, the new S1000RR will be available to customers in 2009 with 1,000 production models being produced... more

Save up to $1000 on Hyosung. Hyosung's "whole lot of motorcycle for a great price" mantra now echoes even louder, with news that a 2007 model runout is delivering savings of up to $1000 on the Korean-made hardware. Forthwith, Hyosung Australia has dropped the price on six of its 2007 model year stock: the GV250, GT250, best-selling GT250R, GV650, GT650 S Tourer and GT650R. The discounted prices also apply to the 650cc LAMS models. The runout will continue until stocks last.

Each year a person who has made an invaluable contribution to the world of
motorcycling is selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours d’Elegance. The distinguished trophy presented to this recipient is the signature God of Speed™ bronze sculpture. Last year’s recipient was Willie G. Davidson of the eponymous Milwaukee motor company. This year it's Italian legend Giacomo Agostini. Most closely associated with famed Italian super bike MV Agusta, Agostini actually won his first race in 1963 astride a Moto Morini. This win caught the attention of Count Domenico Agusta, founder of MV Agusta, who added young Agostini to his race team that included Mike Hailwood. Ago’s tenure with Count Agusta’s team would result in nearly a decade of successive victories and the cementing of Agostini and MV as one of the greatest racers and machines of all time.
For more information go to: LegendoftheMotorcycle.com

Triumph's updated Speed Triple and fuel-injected Speedmaster are now on sale. The Speed Triple, with its powerful 1050cc, DOHC three-cylinder engine, and aggressive, stripped-down stance, enters its 14th year as part of Triumph's Urban Sports range with a host of refinements, including redesigned radiator shrouds, an upgrade to high-spec Brembo radial brakes, new multi-spoke alloy wheels, a new rear sub-frame, polished stainless steel heat shields, and repositioned aluminium pillion footrests for more leg room. A new clear-lensed rear light and neater number plate bracket complete the rear-end redesign.
For 2008, the Speedmaster is updated with a fuel-injected, 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin engine with a 270-degree firing interval. The styling of the Speedmaster remains uncompromised, as the fuel injectors have been cleverly concealed by throttle bodies designed to look like carburettors. Peak power of 62ps arrives at 6800rpm, with maximum torque of 74Nm available at just 3300rpm. Both cylinders vent through a pair of deep-chromed slash-cut silencers.
For more information, or to book a test ride, contact your local Triumph dealer. www.triumph.co.uk/australia/dealers.aspx

Benelli have launched two exciting new models - the Tre-K 1130 and Amazonas 1130. Built around the 1130cc triple that is renowned for its awesome torque from low revs and free revving power delivery, these models look tough and their versatility makes them equally at home for long range adventure touring or commuting to work. Benelli has developed a completely new trellis frame designed to create a comfortable riding position and handle rough terrain whilst still retaining Benelli's legendary handling capabilities. An adjustable front screen deals with wind deflection. A GPS mount point is provided as standard. Amazonas sports 17" rear and 19" front wire spoked wheels. And for a limited time the Tre-K comes with free colour matched panniers valued at $1,199. The engine is tuned to deliver 92Kw and 112Nm via a 6 speed extractable gear box. Stopping is taken care of by Brembo and the bumps are handled by fully adjustable 50mm Marzocchis at the front and Extreme Technology at the rear. Pricing: $19,990 for Tre-K and $20,990 for Amazonas.