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    RiderBOT
    Patent shows a lower-cost semi-auto that could be fitted to virtually any conventional bike
    Yamaha’s Y-AMT automated manual transmission system is already available on several models in the three-cylinder MT-09-based range and twin-cylinder MT-07-derived lineup but the company has developed a simpler, cheaper version of the system that could see it spread to even more bikes.
    Revealed in multiple new patent applications, the simplified semi-auto manages to eliminate one of the two actuators used in the existing Y-AMT setup, allowing both the clutch and the gearshift to be operated simultaneously by a single electromechanical servo.

    That servo is connected to a completely conventional manual transmission, and mounted externally so it simply replaces the foot-operated shifter. A linkage turns the splined shaft that’s normally attached to the gear lever, allowing the servo to perform the same task that’s usually performed by your left foot. A second linkage attached to the same servo operates the clutch, momentarily disengaging it at the same moment as it moves the gear shifter, and immediately engaging the clutch again once the gearchange has been made.

    While that simplified setup means gearshifts can be made at the touch of a button, or fully automatically, depending on the software in the electronic control unit that operates the system, it doesn’t address how the bike can come to a halt in gear or pull away from a standstill. That’s where the second element of the Yamaha design comes into play in the form of a centrifugal clutch. Similar to the clutches seen on scooters and in some other bikes in the new wave of semi-autos – most notably BMW’s new F450GS – the Yamaha’s centrifugal clutch disengages when revs drop to idle and reengages when the throttle is opened, allowing smooth starts and stall-free stops.

    Yamaha’s patent makes a point of the fact the system is intended to be fitted to existing engines and transmissions without major changes to their designs, allowing semi-autos to spread more rapidly across a broader array of models. The patent illustrations show a generic parallel twin, but there’s potential for the simplified Y-AMT system to be fitted to a wide array of models if Yamaha perceives a demand for the technology. If the price can be brought down enough, it’s easy to imagine that small single-cylinder bikes aimed at learner riders could be a prime target for the ease-of-use that an automated transmission offers.
    The post Yamaha Simplifies Semi-Automatic Transmission Tech appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Sale of Indian Motorcycle to private equity has many observers asking big questions
    Debate is raging around the fallout from Polaris announcing its revival of Indian Motorcycle is completed and it’s selling out of its major shareholding in the famous heritage brand.
    Back in October, Polaris announced its intention to split the motorcycle operation into a standalone business and sell a majority stake in it to private equity as part of a plan to refocus onto its off-road vehicle, snowmobile and marine businesses. Our research as uncovered that while the move has inevitably raised concerns over Indian’s future there’s little indication that customers or dealers will see big changes.
    The Indian workforce will carry on as normal Polaris says that the decision comes as part of a strategy to put its efforts behind the parts of its business that have the greatest potential for growth, implying that Indian’s opportunities for expansion may have peaked, but the fact it’s retaining an unspecified minority stake in the newly-separated Indian brand suggests this isn’t a panicked fire sale.
    The buyer of the majority stake in Indian is a private equity company, Carolwood LP, and while the words ‘private equity’ will have cynics leaping to the conclusion that the objective will be to suck out the value from Indian before selling its barely-breathing husk to the next sucker, that’s not always the case.
    In the motorcycling sphere, Ducati is an example of private equity ownership that benefited the brand. The Texas Pacific Group bought Ducati back in 1996 and oversaw a positive transformation in the company’s image and fortunes, taking it public in 1999. TPG sold its controlling stake in 2006 to another private equity company, Investindustrial, which further boosted Ducati’s range and profitability before selling once more to its current owner, the Volkswagen Group, in 2012. Over a series of owners – all aiming to boost their own bottom lines – Ducati benefitted, and with the right handling that’s the path Indian could take in the future.
    Polaris brought manufacturing efficiency to the famous brand Announcing the deal, which isn’t expected to be completed until later this year, Polaris CEO Mike Speetzen said: “Polaris and Indian Motorcycle both stand to benefit from this deal, which will enable each business to move faster, deliver industry-leading innovation, and lean further into our respective market strengths.”
    He went on: “Under Polaris ownership and investment, Indian Motorcycle has been re-established as a celebrated brand and major player in the global motorcycle market. With its current product portfolio, global dealer network, category expertise and manufacturing resources, the business is well positioned to succeed as a standalone company with a dedicated focus on its industry. We were highly intentional and selective in our search and planning efforts for Indian Motorcycle’s next chapter of growth. In Carolwood, Indian Motorcycle has a partner that believes in building on the business, current momentum and supporting its next stage of success. We are confident and committed to making this a seamless transition for Indian Motorcycle dealers, customers and employees.”
    New CEO Mike Kennedy (left) and Polaris’s Mike Speetzen (right) Andrew Shanfeld, Principal at Carolwood, adds: “Indian Motorcycle is an iconic brand built on American heritage, craftsmanship and, most importantly, a community of riders. We’re honoured to help usher in its next chapter as an independent company and to support its continued growth as a symbol of performance and pride. At Carolwood, we target iconic brands that we can passionately impact. Indian Motorcycle allows us to do just that.”
    With an eye to continuity, around 900 employees will transition to the newly standalone Indian Motorcycle Company, as will the manufacturing plants in Iowa and Minnesota, and the R&D facility in Switzerland. A new CEO, Mike Kennedy, with more than 30 years of experience in the bike industry, has been chosen to lead Indian He was formerly CEO and President of Vance and Hines and a 26-year veteran of Harley-Davidson.
    The dealer network isn’t expected to change.

    While detailed figures aren’t available, including the precise level of Carolwood and Polaris’ holding in Indian, Polaris says that it expects the deal to add around $US50 million to its pre-tax earnings once the deal is completed.
    It’s no secret that the market for the sort of medium and heavy cruisers that Indian specialises in has been going through a rough time recently, with declining sales and an ageing buyer demographic. Harley-Davidson has also seen big changes recently in an effort to address that problem, appointing a new CEO, Artie Starrs, and preparing a new entry-level ‘Sprint’ model – due to cost under $US6000 – to be launched this year. Indian inevitably faces some of the same problems, and its decision to ditch its only non-cruiser model, the FTR, last year leaves it boxed even more tightly into the cruiser segment.
    Asked to comment on the acquisition, Glenn Veal, the current Managing Director of Polaris Sales AU & NZ and Indian Motorcycle AU & NZ, told AMCN: “We are really excited about the sale and what this means for the next chapter of Indian Motorcycle. Carolwood LP is the right partner, focused on the long-term growth of the brand and they have never exited any of their investments. It’s also great that they are bringing a seasoned professional onboard as CEO in Mike Kennedy, who has extensive experience in the industry.
    “Dealers and customers rest assured that it will be a seamless transition and when the deal is finalised, we look forward to sharing more.”
    Whatever the future holds for this new era for the company, Indian remains one of the most recognisable names in motorcycling. The original iteration of the brand closed down in 1953 and has gone through multiple owners since, with several resurrections before Polaris’ 2011 acquisition of the name. Whatever happens under Carolwood’s stewardship, the Indian badge isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon.
    The post Shakedown From The Sale Of Indian appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Final versions of 2026 DesertX and Desmo450 EDS leaked in styling registrations
    Among the new 2026 models debuted by Ducati towards the end of last year were two prototypes that weren’t quite ready for their full reveals – the upcoming DesertX V2 and the street-legal Desmo450 EDS enduro machine – but now the final appearances of both bikes have been leaked in design registrations.

    Neither comes as a huge surprise. The 450Desmo EDS designs are near identical to the previewed version, which itself shares all its main chassis and body parts with the competition Desmo450 EDX enduro that’s already been launched as part of Ducati’s 2026 range. The street-legal EDS differs in the addition of a headlight – as already seen in Ducati’s preview – but the leaked images include additional roadgoing equipment that wasn’t included on Ducati’s show version of the bike. Mirrors, for example, are added, as well as a licence plate bracket at the rear, alongside front and rear turn signals. The pictures also show that the EDS’s final exhaust will differ from the existing MX and EDX models, with a longer header pipe, curving down much further than the off-road versions, and a catalytic converter mounted alongside the cylinder head where the off-road bikes have a simple expansion chamber. An O2 sensor is mounted on the new header pipe as part of the emissions equipment.

    Other small tweaks include the addition of a heel guard behind the right-hand footpeg, protecting the rear brake cylinder, and new guards over the front sprocket and the chain on the left-hand side. A small instrument pack and an ignition key switch are tucked behind the front cowl.

    The DesertX V2 was another bike previewed at EICMA last year, shown wrapped in dazzle camo graphics and shorn of a few final details, and the new design registrations give a look at the finished version including those missing parts.

    The look is very similar to the existing DesertX, with a retro, Dakar-inspired shape, but it wraps around a new monocoque-style alloy chassis, aligned with the rest of Ducati’s latest V2 machines, and the same 890cc, liquid-cooled V-twin that’s already used in the latest Panigale, Streetfighter, Multistrada, Monster and Hypermotard V2 models, helping to simplify Ducati’s production by increasing the parts sharing between all those models. The new engine, which is more compact and lighter than the old 937cc Testastretta, ditches Ducati’s signature Desmodromic valve operation in favour of conventional valve springs, and adds variable intake valve timing to give a broader spread of performance.

    Compared with the previewed version of the DesertX V2, the new design registrations again add parts like the mirrors, missing from the show model, as well as a street-legal exhaust in place of the Termignoni pipe that appeared on the preview.

    A closer look also reveals a two-part seat instead of the one-piece design seen on the show version, plus a licence plate bracket, but otherwise confirms that the disguised prototype from EICMA was very close to production spec.
    The post Ducati Designs Preview Two Upcoming Models appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Victoria’s iconic motorcycle Grand Prix could be relocated or lost entirely as contract negotiations reach critical impasse.
    The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix’s 30-year presence at Phillip Island faces an uncertain future, with negotiations between the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) and MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports reaching a critical stalemate.
    According to reports from The Age, Dorna has demanded the event be relocated to Melbourne’s Albert Park street circuit as a condition for renewing the contract beyond the current agreement, which expires after this October’s race.

    The Victorian government has reportedly increased its financial offer to retain the race at Phillip Island but remains reluctant to fund the extensive infrastructure modifications required to stage a motorcycle event at Albert Park. Sources familiar with the negotiations say the impasse reflects Dorna’s broader strategic shift following its acquisition by Liberty Media, Formula 1’s parent company, with street circuits becoming an increasingly favored option.
    The stalemate has opened the door for rival bids, with South Australia’s government holding discreet discussions with Dorna late last year about potentially hosting the Australian round on an Adelaide street circuit.
    A Victorian government spokesperson confirmed negotiations remain confidential but reiterated the state’s preference to keep the race at Phillip Island, describing the event as inseparable from the circuit and the Bass Coast region.

    Circuit owner Andrew Fox told The Age that while not involved in negotiations, a motorcycle race at Albert Park would face significant safety and community hurdles. The street circuit’s limited run-off space and potential environmental impacts – including the likely removal of numerous trees to create adequate safety zones – present major obstacles.
    Even with Albert Park currently undergoing a $300 million infrastructure upgrade for Formula 1, adapting the venue for motorcycle racing would require extensive additional modifications that appear politically and environmentally challenging.
    Bass Coast Shire mayor Rochelle Halstead said uncertainty surrounding the race has sparked strong community action, with thousands signing petitions urging the Allan government to secure the event’s future.
    The mayor emphasised that MotoGP generates close to $100 million annually for the local economy and is central to the region’s identity.

    Phillip Island has hosted the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix continuously since 1997, becoming one of the most celebrated circuits on the global calendar. The coastal venue’s combination of challenging layout, stunning scenery, and enthusiastic crowds has made it a rider and fan favorite.
    The circuit was granted an unusual 10-year deal in 2016 on the understanding that long-term security would enable significant facility investment. However, substantial upgrades have not materialized, leaving the venue’s infrastructure below current MotoGP standards.
    This apparent stalemate between circuit owners and race promoters has contributed to Phillip Island’s vulnerability as newer, more modern venues compete for calendar positions.
    With the current agreement set to expire after October’s race, the Australian motorcycling community and Bass Coast region face an anxious wait to learn whether one of MotoGP’s most iconic venues will retain its place on the championship calendar.
    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Australian MotoGP’s future at Phillip Island under serious threat appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Harley-Davidson has announced 11 new models for 2026, headlined by the Street Glide Limited and next-generation Trike platform, alongside limited-edition Liberty Edition models celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
    The Milwaukee manufacturer revealed its expanded 2026 lineup, featuring significant updates to its Grand American Touring range, a redesigned Trike platform, and five Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) models.

    The new Street Glide Limited anchors the touring lineup with the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117 engine, revised Grand Tour-Pak luggage system, and Harley-Davidson Skyline OS with integrated navigation on a touchscreen display.
    The model includes Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate and enhanced comfort features for rider and passenger.

    Harley-Davidson’s Trike platform receives its second-generation update with the Street Glide 3 Limited and Road Glide 3. Both models feature redesigned rear suspension, the Milwaukee-Eight 117 VVT engine, and technology and styling aligned with the brand’s premium two-wheel touring motorcycles.
    The 2026 CVO range comprises five limited-production models: the new CVO Street Glide ST, CVO Street Glide Limited, and CVO Street Glide 3 Limited, plus updated CVO Road Glide ST and CVO Street Glide. The CVO lineup features premium finishes, enhanced performance components, and exclusive styling elements.

    Three models will be offered in Liberty Edition specification to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary. The Street Glide, Street Glide 3 Limited, and Heritage Classic Liberty Edition models feature Midnight Ember metallic black paint, Liberty Edition eagle graphics on fuel tanks and fairings, blue-tinted windscreens (Street Glide and Heritage Classic), and custom seat stitching in red, white and blue.
    Production will be limited to approximately 2500 units globally across all three Liberty Edition models. All new 2026 Harley-Davidson models will be available at authorised dealerships.

    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Harley-Davidson unveils 2026 Grand American Touring and CVO range appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Aprilia Racing has officially launched its 2026 MotoGP campaign with the unveiling of the RS-GP26, which will be ridden by Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin for the second consecutive season.
    The Italian manufacturer presented the new machine at Sky Studios in Milan, revealing a refreshed livery that incorporates the Leone Alato – the winged lion symbol of Venice – alongside Aprilia Racing’s traditional colours.

    The RS-GP26 represents an evolution of Aprilia’s MotoGP project, with improvements across aerodynamics, chassis architecture, electronics and the V4 engine. Technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini and his team developed components across all areas not restricted by championship regulations.
    The bike will also mark the final iteration of current technical regulations, which permit extreme aerodynamics, ride height devices and 1000cc engines. From 2027, these will no longer be allowed under new technical rules. According to Aprilia, the RS-GP26 will be the fastest prototype the manufacturer has ever built.

    The 2026 season follows Aprilia Racing’s most successful campaign to date in 2025, which saw the team finish second in the Manufacturers Championship with 418 points – breaking the 400-point barrier for the first time. Bezzecchi claimed third in the Riders Championship with 353 points, the best result for an Aprilia rider in the premier class.
    Last season’s achievements included 19 podiums, seven race wins across sprint and full-distance events, five pole positions, and the manufacturer’s 300th Grand Prix victory at Phillip Island. Aprilia now holds the record as the most victorious European manufacturer in Grand Prix racing history with 302 wins.

    Bezzecchi enters 2026 aiming to build on his career-best season, while Martin – who will run number 89 – looks to bounce back from an injury-affected 2025 campaign.
    Lorenzo Savadori continues as test rider, with the Trackhouse Racing team of Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura providing additional development support as a strategic partner.

    “We’re tackling the 2026 season well aware of what we are and where we want to be,” said Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola. “We are coming from a solid 2025 which allowed us to reach an extremely high level of competitiveness, and the goal now is to battle in every race.”
    The 2026 MotoGP season begins with pre-season testing in February ahead of the opening round in Thailand on March 2.
    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Aprilia Racing unveils RS-GP26 for 2026 MotoGP season appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Honda Australia has claimed the number one position in two-wheel motorcycle sales for 2025, achieving 21,901 total sales according to data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
    The Japanese manufacturer recorded a 10 per cent year-on-year sales increase and grew its market share by 2.7 per cent compared to 2024, capturing 19.6 per cent of the overall market.

    “I am proud to see these fantastic results, particularly in the off-road segment, following our domination on the racetracks in recent years,” said Chris Schultz, general manager of Powersports and Products at Honda Australia.
    Honda’s success was driven by dominance in off-road categories, securing the top selling brand position across five segments: Agriculture, Fun, Trail, Scooter and Naked.

    The brand placed five models in the overall top ten two-wheel sales results. The CRF110F led the charge as Australia’s best-selling motorcycle model with 5310 units, followed by the CRF50F in second place with 3004 units. The CRF250F (1667 units), CRF125FB (1255 units) and CBR650R (1222 units) rounded out Honda’s top ten representation.
    Honda also claimed the number one selling model position across five categories: the XR190CT in Agriculture, CRF110F in Fun, CRF250F in Trail, Navi (NVA110) in Scooter, and CBR650R in Super Sport.

    The overall Australian motorcycle and off-highway vehicle market softened slightly in 2025, with 92,967 units delivered – a 1.3 per cent decrease compared to 2024.
    Off-road motorcycle sales remained stable at 41,190 units, while road motorcycle sales declined 3.6 per cent to 33,018 units. Scooter sales bucked the trend with a 3.8 per cent increase to 4933 units.

    According to FCAI data, Yamaha was the top selling brand overall (including four-wheel models), followed by Honda and Kawasaki.
    FCAI chief executive Tony Weber attributed the market softening to continued pressure on discretionary spending, though noted resilience in off-road motorcycles and scooters.

    “Looking ahead, riders can expect to see a steady flow of new and updated models arriving in showrooms, with manufacturers continuing to invest in innovation, safety and performance to meet the needs of Australian riders,” Weber said.
    Honda Australia indicated excitement for 2026, with key model updates, new models and expansion of its e-Clutch system expected throughout the year.
    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Honda claims top spot in Australian motorcycle sales for 2025 appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Ducati has unveiled the Factory version of its Desmo450 MX motocross bike, a race-ready package aimed at riders looking to compete at high-level off-road competition.
    The Desmo450 MX Factory will be available in Australia from March 2026, arriving after its initial release in European and US markets.
    At the heart of the Factory version is Ducati’s Desmodromic valve system, the same technology used on the company’s MotoGP Desmosedici. The 449.6cc single-cylinder engine produces 63.5hp (46.7kW) at 9400rpm and 53.5Nm of torque at 7500rpm, with a rev limiter set at 11,900rpm.

    The Desmodromic system delivers 70 per cent of maximum torque from 4200rpm, providing strong low-end performance and linear power delivery.
    The Factory model weighs 104kg without fuel, 800 grams lighter than the standard Desmo450 MX despite additional equipment. Weight savings come from several areas, including a complete Akrapovic titanium exhaust system that reduces mass by 1.7kg while improving power delivery, and billet aluminium triple clamps that save nearly 200 grams.

    Suspension duties are handled by Showa components featuring Dark Kashima coating on the fork legs and shock body, with titanium oxide treatment on the stems and rod. The 49mm upside-down fork offers 310mm of travel, while the fully adjustable rear shock provides 301mm of wheel travel. These treatments increase surface hardness by 60 per cent and improve resistance to wear and stone damage.

    The Factory package includes a holeshot device for improved starts, front disc guard, skid plate, and RK MXU o-ring chain. A WiFi module allows riders to customize Riding Modes through Ducati’s X-Link app, adjusting throttle maps, launch control, engine brake, and the bike’s Ducati Traction Control system.
    The electronic package includes four levels of DTC intervention, with the system automatically disengaging during jumps and able to be temporarily deactivated with clutch lever pressure. Launch Control, Engine Brake Control, and a quickshifter round out the electronics suite.

    Ducati currently competes in the MXGP World Championship and made its AMA Supercross debut with the Desmo450 platform. The Factory version wears Ducati Corse 2025 livery matching the official race bikes.
    Maintenance intervals are set at 45 hours for piston replacement and valve clearance checks, with full engine overhauls scheduled at 90 hours.
    Australian pricing for the Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory has not been announced. For reference, the standard Desmo450 MX is priced from $16,300.

    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory arrives in Australia March 2026 appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Mexican authorities confiscated a stunning collection of rare motorcycles valued at approximately $AU60 million, believed to belong to former Olympic snowboarder turned alleged international drug trafficker Ryan Wedding.
    The extraordinary seizure, which took place across four properties in Mexico City and surrounding regions in December, has revealed one of the most valuable private motorcycle collections ever discovered by law enforcement.

    The FBI’s Los Angeles office released images of the seized collection on December 29, showing dozens of motorcycles, with many appearing to be former MotoGP race machines. Among the seized motorcycles are several that appear to be ex-Valentino Rossi bikes, making them exceptionally rare and valuable to collectors.
    Officials seized 62 motorcycles in total, with many appearing to be Ducatis according to photographs released by the FBI. The raids also uncovered luxury paintings, artworks, drugs, and two Olympic gold medals, though the ownership of the medals remains unclear.
    The 44-year-old Canadian national Wedding competed for Canada in the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, finishing 24th in the men’s giant parallel slalom ski event, but did not medal.

    “This successful seizure is a result of collaborative efforts among Mexican authorities, the FBI, the RCMP, and the LAPD,” the FBI stated, highlighting the international cooperation required to track down the alleged drug kingpin.
    US officials allege Wedding is among the largest narcotics traffickers in North America, running an organisation that brings in an estimated $AU1.5 billion annually, with routes from Colombia into Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

    Wedding currently appears on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, with authorities offering a $US15 million ($AU22.5M) reward for information leading to his arrest, with additional rewards related to the murder of a potential witness. US officials have compared him to other infamous drug lords including Pablo Escobar and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
    The motorcycle seizure follows the FBI’s November confiscation of Wedding’s 2002 Mercedes CLK-GTR roadster, a one-of-six homologation special supercar valued at approximately $AU19.5 million.

    The seized motorcycles and vehicles are currently being held as evidence and will remain in custody until the conclusion of the investigation and any resulting trials. Authorities have not yet determined whether the assets will be sold at auction or destroyed, though it may be some time before these rare machines see the light of day again.
    The case demonstrates the extraordinary wealth accumulated through international drug trafficking operations and the lengths to which law enforcement agencies will go to dismantle such organisations.
    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post FBI seizes $60 million motorcycle collection from alleged drug lord appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Ducati Australia has announced a partnership with X Games and freestyle motocross athlete Corey Creed to coincide with the Australian arrival of its Desmo450 MX, marking the Italian manufacturer’s entry into the local motocross segment.
    The Desmo450 MX features Ducati’s desmodromic valve system, which the company says delivers precise valve control, immediate throttle response and high-revving performance.

    The motorcycle includes a lightweight chassis, advanced suspension package and race-focused ergonomics designed for competition and freestyle riding.
    The bike’s electronics suite includes configurable riding modes, traction control strategies and multiple engine maps that allow riders to adjust the motorcycle’s character for different conditions and riding styles.

    Creed, who has competed at multiple X Games events internationally, is known for his technical execution and quarter pipe progression in freestyle motocross.
    The Desmo450 MX will make its first public Australian appearance with Creed at Summernats in Canberra this January. Motorcycles R Us is supporting the partnership as the dealer sponsor for the Desmo450 MX program.

    “This motorcycle embodies our racing DNA, advanced engineering and relentless focus on performance,” said managing director of Ducati Australia and New Zealand Sergi Canovas. “Partnering with Corey Creed allows us to showcase the Desmo450 MX in an environment where innovation, skill and passion are pushed to the absolute limit.”
    Creed said the Desmo450 MX’s power delivery, control and electronics provide confidence for pushing creative boundaries. “The Desmo450 MX is unlike anything I’ve ridden before,” he said. “Partnering with Ducati for my X Games competition and freestyle events and activities is an incredible opportunity, and I’m excited to show global fans what this machine is capable of.”
    The Ducati Desmo450 MX is priced from $16,300 in Australia.
    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Ducati Australia partners with X Games star Corey Creed for Desmo450 MX launch appeared first on INFO MOTO.
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