Okay so 3-wheelers aren’t exactly motorcycles, but most offer a similar experience far removed from that of driving a car.  Models like Can-Am’s Spyder can make decent (albeit expensive) alternatives for some people that really want the open air sensation of riding a motorcycle but can’t quite come to terms with handling one.

This is Honda’s 3R-C concept vehicle, a battery-powered electric 3-wheeler designed for urban transport.  The canopy cover moves forward and becomes a windshield when it’s actually in use.  It was designed by Honda’s R&D facility in Milan, so it’s easy to imagine they have dense, car-unfriendly cities in mind with this concept.  I’d definitely use it to pick up some groceries… if there’s anywhere to stow them.

http://world.honda.com/news/2010/4100224Geneva-Motor-Show/

Let’s just get one thing straight, BMW’s S1000RR is most definitely not a beginner’s bike. This beast makes 193 HP (at the crankshaft) from just one liter of displacement – amazing. In any case BMW put up this really cool video of the valves in action. After a certain RPM it’s impossible to see what’s happening with the valves (slo-mo would’ve been nice), but still, it’s incredible to think this is also happening inside your bike’s engine. Maybe not this furiously, but you get the idea. In case you’re wondering, some MotoGP bikes use pneumatic valves (instead of springs) to deal with the even crazier RPMs involved at the world’s top level of motorcycle racing.

IDC has developed an intriguing new helmet technology designed to minimize helmet impact friction and the subsequent trauma-inducing head rotations that occur during certain types of motorcycle accidents.  Basically the helmet is designed to slide instead of grip upon impact.  You can buy one of these later this year under the Lazer brand; check the links for more info.

via Fast Company
source: IDC

Ducati Monster 696

You know the industry’s hurting when even Ducati rolls out super-low financing offers. Right now you can get certain naked models at a 2.99% APR for 60 months until the end of March 2010. Generally speaking I don’t recommend Ducatis as a first bike; there are many reasons to buy a cheaper used bike as a first ride. But for the headstrong among you with the “new or nothing” mentality, there are worse first bikes than the Monster 696, which is included in this deal. Smokin’ link below.

http://www.ducati.com/od/ducatinorthamerica/news/detail.jhtml?newsId=31584

Lower elevation burn area

It’s strange to realize there’s a beautiful forest right in our backyard here in Los Angeles, but it’s there.  Thanks to Angeles Crest Highway, anyone can enjoy the fresh mountain air and beautiful views in the heart of the Angeles National Forest.  It’s also a legendary road for motorcycle riders thanks to its snaking mountain curves and Newcomb’s Ranch, the mile-high biker-friendly restaurant/hang out in the midst of the pines.  A huge portion of our forest was tragically destroyed in last autumn’s devastating Station Fire, closing Angeles Crest Highway for months and turning vast wooded areas into empty dirt.  The road was reopened on November 30, 2009 but the forest is not the same.

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