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North America × CULTURE: 17 articles
Forty Years On: David Bailey's 1-Point Win for His First AMA MX Title in 1983
David Bailey clinched his first AMA Grand National Motocross title at the 1983 season finale in Millville, Minnesota. Honda teammate Bob Hannah helped clear his path in the second moto, and Bailey edged out rival Mark Barnett by a single point.
Rider Files · 8/3/2026
Kushitani and Bandai's Strict-G Team Up on a New Gundam Riding Gear Collection
Motorcycle gear maker Kushitani has again partnered with Bandai's official Gundam brand Strict-G for a 2026 collection themed on Mobile Suit Gundam and Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway. The line spans polo shirts, a fitted track jacket, a hoodie and neck buffs, priced from $37 for the buff up to $226 for the hoodie.
RideApart · 8/3/2026
Harley-Davidson Files Trademarks for RMCR and RMXR, Inching Toward Production
Harley-Davidson filed US trademark applications for 'RMCR' and 'RMXR' on July 29. The RMCR is the cafe racer concept already shown at Mama Tried, Daytona Bike Week, and the MotoGP Americas round, and the filing signals it's moving toward production. RMXR appears flat-track inspired. If both proceed, expect 2027 or 2028 model years, the brand's first factory cafe racer since the 1970s.
Motorcycle.com · 7/31/2026
Texas Route 66 Motorcycle Guide Maps a 186-Mile, One-to-Two-Day Ride
Rider Magazine has mapped a motorcycle trip along Texas Route 66. The 186-mile run from Shamrock to Glenrio takes one to two days and suits beginner-to-intermediate riders. Stops include Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo and Adrian, the midpoint 1,139 miles from both Chicago and Santa Monica, with spring or fall travel from east to west recommended.
Rider Magazine · 7/30/2026
First-Time Builder Transforms BMW K1100 with S1000RR Front End
Nashville home builder Adam Vanhooser spent 15 months transforming a 1997 BMW K1100 into his first custom motorcycle. The 1,092cc engine was resealed and fitted with pod filters and a 4-into-1 exhaust, while a BMW S1000RR front end brought inverted forks and Brembo brakes. A CNC subframe, revised rear suspension, K1200RS wheels and Motogadget electronics complete the garage-built café racer.
Bike EXIF · 7/29/2026
63hp Electric Honda Grom Covers 108 Miles in a Real-World City Range Test
3C Mini Works tested its 63hp electric Honda Grom over repeated 18-mile commutes at roughly 35–40mph. The custom build uses a QS260 hub motor and a 72V, 135Ah battery—about 9.7kWh—and returned 108 miles with roughly 10% charge remaining. The builder believes soft drag tires and near-100°F weather limited the result and plans a retest with harder tires in cooler conditions.
RideApart · 7/28/2026
Janus Motorcycles Launches Budget 'Origin' Line of Hand-Built Classics From $6,295
Indiana-based Janus Motorcycles has introduced an Origin line that trims finishing details and shortens the warranty from two years to one year to lower entry prices. The 229cc single-cylinder Halcyon 250 Origin and scrambler-styled Gryffin 250 Origin start at $6,295 and $6,495, while the 445cc Halcyon 450 Origin and Gryffin 450 Origin start at $10,995 and $11,995.
Rider Magazine · 7/27/2026
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Marks 50 Years of AMA Superbike, With Freddie Spencer as Grand Marshal
The 34th AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days ran July 24-26 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, drawing tens of thousands of attendees. The event marked the 50th anniversary of AMA Superbike, featuring era-defining machines and early Team Honda riders, with three-time world Grand Prix champion Freddie Spencer serving as grand marshal. The associated swap meet, billed as North America's largest, sold out for a third consecutive year, and the AMA processed more than 450 new memberships over the weekend.
Rider Files · 7/27/2026
Magnum Opus Rebuilds a 1977 BMW R100/7 Air-Cooled Boxer as a Modern Cafe Racer
A 1977 BMW R100/7 built in 2020 by Magnum Opus Customs of Wilmington, North Carolina, has appeared on the auction site Bring a Trailer. BMW's emblematic air-cooled boxer has been rebuilt as a contemporary cafe racer with scrambler elements woven in. Suspension, brakes and electrics are all renewed while the styling stays timeless.
Return of the Cafe Racers · 7/27/2026
1989 BMW R100GS 'Bumble Bee' — The Adventure Bike That Started It All Heads to Auction
A 1989 BMW R100GS in the legendary black-and-yellow 'Bumble Bee' livery has been listed on Bring a Trailer. The 980cc air-cooled boxer twin shows around 38,000 miles and had its carburetors rebuilt in 2026. Its predecessor, the R80G/S, won the Paris-Dakar Rally four times and is credited with starting the adventure-bike genre.
Silodrome · 7/23/2026
Indian Motorcycle Unveils Limited 'Signature Series' Across Four PowerPlus Models
Indian Motorcycle has announced a limited 'Signature Series.' Four PowerPlus-family models receive special-edition treatment featuring elaborate paintwork, enhanced performance, improved touring comfort, and upgraded rider-assist features.
BikeWale · 7/22/2026
Steve McQueen's Husqvarna Heads to Auction with No Reserve
A Husqvarna 250 Cross reportedly used by actor Steve McQueen for desert racing under the name 'Harvey Mushman' is going up for auction at Bonhams with no reserve. A machine that captures an era when a beloved Hollywood star seriously threw himself into competition.
RideApart · 7/22/2026
Indian Unveils New 'Signature Series' — Factory Customs Straight from the Line, North America First for Now
Indian Motorcycle has unveiled a new showroom-ready factory-custom series, the 'Signature Series.' While the finish quality stands out, Visordown reports it will focus on the North American market for now, with launches in markets like the UK reportedly on hold.
Visordown · 7/22/2026
Indian Motorcycle Unveils New Premium-Finish Signature Series
Indian Motorcycle has unveiled a new Signature Series collection featuring premium finishes. Rather than an everyday ride, it's described as a limited, carefully curated lineup aimed at riders seeking rarity and a sense of the special.
Motorcycle.com · 7/21/2026
Harley-Davidson Ramps Up Preparations for Sturgis 2026
Harley-Davidson has detailed its plans for the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Sturgis Community Center will host demo rides on 2026 motorcycles and revised trikes, plus a Fit Shop for testing seats, windscreens and handlebars. Pappy Hoel will serve as an H.O.G. base, while a separate program will honor military personnel and first responders.
Motorcycle.com · 7/21/2026
Sturgis Museum's Independence Tour to Show Six Custom Bikes
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum announced its 2026 rally lineup, including the S&S Cycle Independence Tour, six custom motorcycles built to mark America's 250th anniversary, on display August 14. The museum will also livestream its Hall of Fame induction breakfast for the first time on August 12.
Powersports Business · 7/21/2026
Indian Motorcycle Unveils Limited-Edition Signature Series, Including a US 250th Anniversary Theme
Indian Motorcycle has unveiled a limited collection of specially painted models called the 'Signature Series.' Covering the Power Plus-based baggers and tourers, the collection features multi-layer paint and hand-finished color transitions. The Chieftain and Challenger are priced at $40,999, while the Roadmaster and Pursuit are priced at $46,749. The latter pair wears a color scheme themed around the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding.
Motorcycle.com · 7/21/2026