Your Motorcycle News Fix – March 2022
As we head into spring, stay up to date with the latest headlines from the world of motorcycling with Cycle Trader. We’re shining a light on industry storylines from the past month, including top brands pulling out of the Russian market, new bikes that debuted at Daytona Bike Week, and more 2022 models from Suzuki. When it comes to biking, things move fast, so let’s get right into your March motorcycle news fix.
Motorcycle Industry Responds to Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Earlier in March, Harley-Davidson announced the company would halt shipments to Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Reported by Visordown, Harley was the first major motorcycle manufacturer to stop its shipments into the country, soon followed by Polaris and Honda. Stopping shipments and eliminating imports is part of a worldwide effort to inflict economic pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Russian-based motorcycle manufacturer IMZ-Ural, also known as Ural Motorcycles, is attempting to navigate the current market conditions resulting from the sanctions imposed on the country. Revzilla reports that the company may encounter a disruption with motorcycle shipments due to sanctions, but as of early March, business is continuing with regularly planned operations. While headquartered in the United States, Ural has a factory in Russia that it depends on to assemble motorcycles and sidecars, as well as ship parts.
As a result of the Russian invasion, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), which runs European motorbike races, announced cancellations to this upcoming season. According to RideApart, several grand prix races and championships scheduled to be held in both Russia and Ukraine have been canceled.
Buell Debuts ‘World’s Fastest’ Bike Prototypes at Daytona
One of the year’s top motorcycle rallies to put on your 2022 calendar, Bike Week Daytona was held March 4–13 and featured two new bike prototypes from Buell Motorcycle Company. Buell grabbed headlines at the event when they debuted the Baja DR (Dune Racer) test prototype and SuperTouring 1190 prototype. The Wisconsin-based motorcycle manufacturer claims the Baja DR will be the world’s fastest production dirt bike and the SuperTouring 1190 will be the world’s fastest production touring bike.
According to CycleNews, Baja will feature a 175 horsepower liquid-cooled, 72-degree V-twin engine with 101 pounds of torque, and will be built exclusively in the United States. Its estimated retail price will start at $19,995 and is planned for release in 2023. SuperTouring 1190 features a 1190cc V-twin engine with 185 horsepower and 101 pounds of torque, and is expected to be released fall 2022 with a price tag of $21,995.
Suzuki Adds New Motorcycle Models to 2022 Lineup
Suzuki Motor USA shared further details on their newest motorcycle models joining their 2022 lineup during a press release in early March. The announcement included more on a pair of new Adventure Models, the V-STROM 1050XT and V-STROM 1050XT Adventure, with a focus on the company’s technology features. A new off-roader will join their family of bikes with the release of the 2022 DR-Z125L with a sporty look, manual clutch, and five-speed transmission. The lineup includes stylish new cruisers with fuel-injected, V-twin engines, including the 2022 Boulevard C50T and 2022 Boulevard C50. And the 2022 GSX250R ABS is an exciting new sport motorcycle from the company, coming with a twin-cylinder and fuel-injected engine.
Are there any motorcycle stories that have been on your mind recently? Leave us a comment and keep up with Cycle Trader’s blog for all topics related to the world of motorcycles.
Ryan Miller
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