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    RiderBOT
    Ryan Wedding, the former Olympic snowboarder whose extraordinary $AU60 million motorcycle collection was seized by authorities in December, has been arrested in Mexico and transported to California to face federal charges.
    The 44-year-old Canadian national was apprehended in Mexico on Thursday night following a multinational manhunt involving Mexican, Canadian, and US law enforcement agencies. He is now in US custody and expected to appear in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on Monday.
    Wedding’s arrest comes just weeks after Mexican authorities confiscated his stunning collection of rare motorcycles, many believed to be former MotoGP race machines including several ex-Valentino Rossi bikes, valued at approximately $AU60 million.

    At a news conference announcing the arrest, FBI Director Kash Patel described Wedding as “a modern day Pablo Escobar,” referring to the notorious Colombian drug lord. The comparison underscores the scale of the alleged operation, which US officials claim generated an estimated $AU1.5 billion annually through drug trafficking routes from Colombia into Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
    Mike Duheme of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Wedding’s capture meant “our communities, our countries are much safer.”
    Wedding competed for Canada in the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, finishing 24th in the men’s giant parallel slalom ski event. He 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.

    The December raids across four properties in Mexico City and surrounding regions uncovered 62 motorcycles, luxury paintings, artworks, drugs, and two Olympic gold medals, though the ownership of the medals remains unclear. The motorcycle seizure followed 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.
    Wedding will be detained over the weekend ahead of his Monday court appearance, where he faces an indictment filed last year in the Central District of California.

    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 Aprilia Tuareg 660, 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 Former Olympian arrested in Mexico following MotoGP motorcycle collection seizure appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Patent shows MotoGP aero on road-going machinery
    MotoGP aerodynamic innovations have already spawned a generation of sports bikes with front winglets and a new patent from Aprilia suggests the vertical ‘leg wings’ seen on its recent GP machines could also be making their way to production.
    The designs clearly show large aerofoil panels just behind the rider’s feet and lower legs, but also specify that instead of being part of the rear bodywork, as they are when fitted to race bikes, these units are designed to be easily bolted to the existing pillion footrest brackets of almost any road-going bike. They’re depicted on an RSV4, but could just as easily fit to the RS660 or even models from other brands.

    They’re far from merely cosmetic panels, too, as the patent explains how they manage to perform two important aerodynamic tasks, helping improve both top speed and cornering ability.
    When you’re riding in a straight line your boots align with the leading edge of the new panels, which form a relatively smooth surface for airflow that’s passed over the side fairings and your legs. Seen from above, the two panels taper towards the rear of the bike, helping create a teardrop-shaped outline that helps reduce drag by cutting down on the turbulence behind the rider’s legs.
    That, in itself, might be a worthwhile gain, but the panels also boost the bike’s cornering ability by adding rear downforce when you’re nearing maximum lean. That’s because when the rider hangs off on the inside of a corner, knee near or on the ground, your extended leg creates a tunnel that lets air pass between your calf and the bike, hitting the leg wing on the side of the bike nearer the ground full-on. Instead of simply passing over the outer surface of the wing, as when riding in a straight line, this blast of wind travels down both faces of the winglet, which is formed into a downforce-generating shape, pulling the bike towards the asphalt and into the corner. Its counterpart on the other side of the bike still has its airflow blocked by your other leg, so can’t produce a force that counteracts it. Essentially the rider becomes an active aerodynamic component.

    Aprilia’s intention to use the system on road bikes rather than racers is clear, as the patent says: “Preferably, the support can be connected to a bracket of the passenger footrest. In this way it is possible to mount the pair of wings as accessory on any road bike comprising passenger footrests. In practice, when it is not necessary to accommodate a passenger, for example while riding on a racetrack, the passenger footrests can be removed to accommodate in the relative brackets respective wings in accordance with the present invention.”
    The post Aprilia Leg Wings Coming To Street Bikes? appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Retro cruiser steers clear of chrome for convincing post-war look
    For a company that’s built around its heritage and the 125-year-old reputation of its name, Indian’s 2026 lineup so far hasn’t leant too heavily into its history – focusing on the liquid-cooled Scout and PowerPlus-driven ranges – but the new Chief Vintage wholehearted summons the spirit of Indian past with a look that’s straight out of the 1940s.

    The deeply-valanced fenders, black-painted suspension, bars, headlight bowl and exhaust, plus dull silver rocker covers and pushrod tubes reminiscent of the rough cast aluminium of old Indians all combine into a convincing retro style that simultaneously manages to be one of the more subtle in Indian’s catalogue.

    Powered by the air-cooled, OHV ThunderStroke 116 V-twin – that’s 1890cc in metric terms – that predates the brand’s more modern liquid-cooled, DOHC designs, the Chief Vintage isn’t intended to break any new ground in terms of performance. Indian puts the focus on torque, with 156Nm on tap at 3,300rpm, while power, as confirmed in the bike’s approval documents, is a more subdued 62.4kW at 4,000rpm. There’s a touch of 21st-century tech in the cylinder deactivation system, which cuts off the rear cylinder when the bike’s up to temperature and idling, helping keep heat away from the rider, but otherwise the Chief Vintage revels in its old-school appeal.

    The chassis is shared with the other Chief models, with a relaxed 29-degree rake and long 1626mm wheelbase, with twin rear shocks and non-adjustable telescopic forks, while the single 298mm front disc is one clear visual clue that this isn’t a real 1940s Indian. With 327kg to haul to a halt, it’s got its work cut out, but there’s a similarly large rear rotor to help out. Onboard there’s another nod to modernity; the circular instrument isn’t a traditional dial but a colour TFT screen, complete with app-based functionality for navigation and media.
    How much to travel back to Indian’s 1940s heyday? Prices start at $31,995 AUD.
    The post Indian Chief Vintage Hits 1940s Notes appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    CFMOTO Australia has announced the arrival of the 2026 XO Papio Racer, now sporting a Champion Blue livery inspired by the brand’s grand prix race bikes and featuring updates including standard traction control.
    The updated mini-bike receives styling changes for 2026, headlined by new full side fairings that give the Papio Racer a more ‘aggressive, aerodynamic silhouette’. Winglet-inspired elements add sporting flair to the compact machine, which retains its distinctive twin round LED headlights and clip-on handlebars.
    Rider ergonomics have been completely revised, with the clip-on bars raised 48mm and footpegs moved 114mm forward. The changes create a more upright, natural riding position better suited to daily riding while maintaining the bike’s sporty character.

    The headline addition for 2026 is a standard traction control system, marking a significant safety upgrade for the platform. An upgraded LCD display now features a glass lens for improved clarity and includes a TCS status light to keep riders informed of the system’s operation.
    Power comes from CFMOTO’s 126cc air-cooled engine producing 7.0kW/9.2Nm, and fed through a six-speed gearbox. The engine is paired with a 7L fuel tank that CFMOTO claims delivers up to 350km range per fill.

    The XO Papio Racer rides on USD monoshock forks front and rear with 96mm of travel at both ends. Braking comes via a 210mm front disc with twin-piston floating caliper and 190mm rear disc with single-piston floating caliper, both backed by dual-channel ABS.
    At 114kg wet weight and with a 760mm seat height, the Papio Racer sits on 12-inch wheels.
    The 2026 CFMOTO XO Papio Racer in Champion Blue arrives at Australian dealerships in March priced at $4990 ride away, backed by CFMOTO’s three-year factory warranty.
    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 Aprilia Tuareg 660, 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 CFMOTO XO Papio gets Racer makeover for 2026 appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    The Italian squad opens its 2026 campaign at the Africa Eco Race before tackling the European Tout Terrain Rally Cup.
    Aprilia Tuareg Racing has announced its 2026 racing program, kicking off with the Africa Eco Race on January 25 before making its debut in the European Tout Terrain Rally Cup.
    The team heads to Morocco carrying the number one plate after back-to-back Africa Eco Race victories in 2024 and 2025, part of a dominant two-year run that’s seen the Tuareg Rally win every competition it’s entered.

    Jacopo Cerutti, Francesco Montanari and Marco Menichini will contest the 13-day marathon from Tangier to Dakar aboard the Tuareg Rally.
    Beyond the twin Africa Eco Race crowns, the Italian team has claimed victory at Baja Aragon, the Hellas Rally Raid, the Ro Rally Marathon, and three consecutive Italian Motorally Championships. The streak has earned the bike the “Queen of Africa” moniker in recognition of its African rally raid dominance.

    “Our goals are to always do our best and aim for victory in both the European Championship and the Africa Eco Race,” said Cerutti. “The level has risen significantly this year, with many strong competitors, but we always prepare to win.”
    Following the Africa Eco Race’s February 7 finish in Dakar, the team will shift focus to the European Tout Terrain Rally Cup, comprising four rounds across Spain (April 12-18), Greece (May 25-31), Romania (July 10-18) and Italy (October 13-17).

    The European campaign represents a natural progression after three Italian Motorally titles, with the team having already tested the waters by winning last year’s Hellas Rally Raid and Ro Rally Marathon.
    “Last year we competed in two races… and won both, so our goal is to continue growing and succeeding in Europe as well,” said team principal Vittoriano Guareschi.
    Montanari is eager to chase a result that’s eluded him for two seasons at the Africa Eco Race.

    “I can’t wait to be back in the desert. My main goal is to achieve a result I’ve been chasing for two years,” he said. “I’m also happy we’ll be competing in the European Championship this year – these races are more in my wheelhouse compared to the Motorally.”
    Menichini, the team’s newest signing, brings fresh confidence following extensive testing.
    “The Tuareg Rally bikes are incredible. After the latest updates and tests, I have a great feeling with the bike,” he said.
    The 2026 Africa Eco Race begins January 25 in Tangier.

    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 Aprilia Tuareg 660, 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 Tuareg Racing targets third consecutive Africa Eco Race title appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Harley-Davidson and MotoGP have announced new details for the inaugural Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, including the addition of Indonesia’s first ‘MotoGP-level’ team and a confirmed weekend format for the 2026 championship.
    Niti Racing (Indonesia) has been confirmed as the fourth team on the provisional entry list, joining previously announced Saddlemen Race Development (USA), Cecchini Racing Garage (Italy), and Joe Rascal Racing (Australia).
    The Indonesian squad becomes the country’s first team to compete on the MotoGP stage, bringing national racing development experience to the international bagger racing series.
    Joe Rascal Racing has also received approval to expand from two to three riders, bringing the provisional grid to four teams and nine riders for the debut season.

    “This gives us a strong and competitive foundation for year one, and with ongoing discussions involving additional teams, we’re encouraged by the level of global interest as we continue to build the series in a structured and sustainable way,” said Jeffrey Schuessler, Global Director of Racing Programs at Harley-Davidson.
    A provisional rider line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.

    Five of the six rounds will follow a three-day format, with qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday, and Race 2 on Sunday. The Italian Grand Prix at Mugello will be the exception, with qualifying on Friday and both races held on Saturday.
    At the US, Netherlands, Great Britain, Aragon, and Austria GPs, the weekend schedule will be:
    Friday: Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 Saturday: Qualifying at midday, Race 1 in the afternoon (immediately after the MotoGP Tissot Sprint) Sunday: Race 2 (morning or afternoon depending on the event) At Mugello, a modified format will see:
    Friday: FP1, FP2, and Qualifying Saturday: Race 1 and Race 2 The 2026 calendar includes six rounds:
    United States – Circuit of the Americas (Austin): March 27–29 Italy – Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello: May 29–31 Netherlands – TT Circuit Assen: June 26–28 Great Britain – Silverstone Circuit: August 7–9 Aragon (Spain) – MotorLand Aragón: August 28–30 Austria – Red Bull Ring: September 18–20 (Championship Round)
    Bagger World Cup race bikes are built on Harley-Davidson’s Grand American Touring platform, featuring race-prepared Road Glide motorcycles with Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin 131R race-modified motors.
    The competition machines produce over 200 horsepower and reach top speeds exceeding 300km/h, with purpose-built chassis, suspension, braking, and electronics packages designed specifically for racing.
    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 Aprilia Tuareg 660, 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 Bagger World Cup adds Indonesian team, confirms race format appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Indian Motorcycle has pulled the covers off the 2026 Chief Vintage, a modern interpretation of the brand’s iconic 1940s Chief that blends post-war styling with contemporary performance and technology.
    Revealed as part of Indian’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the Chief Vintage takes direct design inspiration from the original 1940s Chief with flowing valanced fenders, a lit headdress ornament, and wire-spoked wheels.

    “The Indian Chief from the 1940s remains one of the most recognisable and celebrated motorcycles in American history,” said Ola Stenegärd, Design Director for Indian Motorcycle. “With its iconic V-Twin engine, valanced fenders, and unparalleled reliability, the Chief set a standard for performance and design that resonates today.”

    The styling extends to the engine finish, with the Thunderstroke 116 featuring non-machined black cylinders and silver-painted cylinder heads and pushrod tubes that reference the raw aluminium finishes of the original Chief models. A narrow rear subframe, vintage handlebars, and reimagined vintage solo seat complete the period-correct aesthetic.

    Beneath the retro styling sits Indian’s air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin producing 156Nm of torque, paired with three selectable ride modes: Tour, Standard and Sport.
    The Chief Vintage comes equipped with Indian’s round touchscreen display, now running updated software that improves startup and loading times by approximately 25 percent.
    The new system introduces App Enhanced Navigation, allowing riders to search destinations on their phone via Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps and send them directly to the bike’s display.

    The touchscreen can be operated via hand controls or directly on the display, offering multiple gauge configurations, turn-by-turn navigation, and smartphone integration via Bluetooth or USB for music control, phone calls, and text message access.
    Indian has also launched a range of accessories for the Chief Vintage including highway bars, a 450mm quick-release windshield, vinyl saddlebags with 19-litres of storage per bag, premium handle grips, and passenger accommodation options including a pillion and touring backrest pad.
    The 2026 Indian Chief Vintage is confirmed for Australian release in Q2-Q3 of 2026, with local pricing yet to be announced.
    2026 Indian Chief Vintage. 1 of 11 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 Aprilia Tuareg 660, 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 Indian Motorcycle revives 1940s Chief icon with 2026 Chief Vintage appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Ducati has unveiled its 2026 MotoGP line-up, with reigning World Champion Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia piloting the new Desmosedici GP in a special Rosso Centenario livery celebrating 100 years of Ducati.
    The Ducati Lenovo Team presentation took place on 19 January at PalaCampiglio in Italy, with reigning champion Marc Marquez and two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia confirmed as the factory team riders for the upcoming season.

    The Desmosedici GP 2026 sports a special matte Rosso Centenario colour scheme with double white stripes to mark Ducati’s centenary year (1926-2026). The shade of red matches that used on the 1949 Ducati 60, the manufacturer’s first complete motorcycle, and the 1955 Gran Sport Marianna, Ducati’s first purpose-built racer designed by Fabio Taglioni.
    The livery was designed by Aldo Drudi in collaboration with Centro Stile Ducati, featuring white stripes that wrap around the bike’s distinctive front air intake.

    The three-day event featured the official team presentation followed by a public meet-and-greet in Piazza Sissi with both riders.
    Activities included skiing for team members and guests, with Bagnaia joining former alpine ski champion Giorgio Rocca for the traditional race, while Marquez opted for a walk to Lake Nambino.

    An immersive exhibition at the Dolomieu Observatory showcased 70 years of Ducati racing history, featuring bikes ranging from the 1955 Gran Sport Marianna 125 to the MotoE V21L electric motorcycle. Highlights included the 900 SS IOM TT, the championship-winning 851 F90, Desmosedici GP machines, and the Panigale V4 R.
    “Campioni in Pista has become a symbolic event for Ducati,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “Looking ahead to the season that is about to begin, with Marc and Pecco, we are lining up two absolute benchmark riders, with talent and a winning mentality.”
    The 2026 MotoGP season begins with the Grand Prix of Thailand on 1 March.
    1 of 6 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 Aprilia Tuareg 660, 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 Marquez and Bagnaia to lead Ducati’s 2026 MotoGP campaign in special centenary livery appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    New look and updated tech on the way
    Ducati’s Diavel V4 replaced its V-twin predecessor three years ago and now it’s ripe for a midlife redesign – something that’s on the way soon and has now been leaked in the form of official design registrations published in the European Union.

    While Ducati added a higher-performance ‘RS’ version of the Diavel V4 to the range for 2026, complete with the Panigale’s Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine instead of the Granturismo V4 version of the standard Diavel and more aggressive styling than the base model, the normal Diavel V4 now looks set to get its own facelift.
    The designs show an array of visual tweaks, starting with a new set of wheels using five split spokes. They’re more subtle and sportier-looking than the current rims. Bodywork changes include the same new side air intakes that debuted on the Diavel V4 RS, with the horizontal vane in the intake shifted from above the centreline to below it, and a two-part design that, on the RS, allows their carbon fibre construction to be displayed. On the standard bike the intakes are likely to be plastic instead of carbon, but could still use different colours and finishes to emphasise the two sections.

    Also split into two parts are entirely new radiator cowls sitting below those intakes, further hinting that Ducati will be employing different colours or materials to add visual interest to the next-gen bike. On the righthand side, a new plastic cover just behind the radiator cowl hides wiring and plumbing on the engine. That engine is the same, non-Desmo, ‘Granturismo’ V4 used in the current model, not the Desmosedici Stradale of the V4 RS.
    The exhaust is new, too. While similar to the current model, with four distinct outlets to emphasise the engine configuration, the tailpipes are more neatly arranged in two pairs, melded slightly together, instead of the individual versions used at the moment.

    On top of that, there are indications that the bike is getting updated, semi-active suspension, with the overhead and front ¾ views revealing wiring harnesses plugged into the tops of the forks.
    What’s unknown at this stage is whether the bike is simply a revamped Diavel V4 or an additional version, perhaps a Diavel V4 S, to sit between the base bike and the top-spec RS variant. We’re likely to find out soon enough, as the bike could be launched within a matter of weeks.
    The post Updated Ducati Diavel Leaked In Design Registrations appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP has officially launched its 2026 campaign in Jakarta, Indonesia, unveiling the all-new V4-powered YZR-M1 alongside a refreshed livery ahead of the season-opening Sepang test.
    The presentation took place as part of Yamaha Motor Indonesia’s dealer meeting in Jakarta, where riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins were introduced alongside the completely redesigned machine that marks the beginning of Yamaha’s V4 era.

    The new livery retains the characteristic camouflage theme but features increased blue and white elements, departing from previous colour schemes as Yamaha enters what it’s calling “phase two” of its Blue Shift plan.
    Advertisement. The switch to V4 architecture represents Yamaha’s most significant technical change in recent MotoGP history, with the manufacturer developing the new engine configuration in parallel with racing its inline-four throughout 2025 – described by team management as an unprecedented challenge in the modern MotoGP era.

    Takahiro Sumi, general manager of Yamaha Motor’s Motor Sports Development Division, outlined early performance gains from the new platform.
    “We’ve already seen encouraging signs: improved braking stability, better acceleration potential, and a more consistent feeling over long runs,” Sumi said. “Our focus for 2026 is centred on accelerating development speed and ensuring seamless integration between design, testing, and racing.”

    Quartararo, who came close to victory on several occasions in 2025, expressed enthusiasm for the new project.
    “The V4 engine is a big change, and I can’t wait to feel how it will develop on track,” the Frenchman said. “I’ve been training hard all winter, so I’m ready to give it my all.”
    Rins, who gained momentum late in 2025 with a strong showing at the Indonesian GP, echoed his teammate’s optimism.
    “The new bike gives us more development opportunities, and that’s highly motivating,” Rins commented. “It’s a new era for Yamaha, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

    Paolo Pavesio, managing director of Yamaha Motor Racing, used the launch to confirm DP World as a new partner, citing their logistics expertise as crucial for the team’s operations across the 22-round championship.
    Monster Energy’s longstanding relationship with Yamaha was also highlighted, with the title sponsorship having begun in 2019 at an event also held in Jakarta.

    Thanks to MotoGP’s concessions system, Yamaha will field all its riders at the shakedown test before the official Sepang test commences in early February, giving the manufacturer valuable extra track time to develop the new V4 package.
    Team director Massimo Meregalli emphasised a measured approach for 2026, focusing on extracting performance and building consistency as the team gets acquainted with the new machine rather than chasing immediate results.
    The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team will take to the track at Sepang in the coming weeks for the first official test of the 2026 season.

    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 Aprilia Tuareg 660, 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 Yamaha unveils V4-powered YZR-M1 at Indonesian team launch appeared first on INFO MOTO.
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