ClevelandMoto podcast 547 Show Notes: 

Honda releasing 2 new 400cc 4 cylinders, but, will we see them in North America? 

- Last month we talked about the 4 Cylinder 500cc bikes that were at the CIMA (Chinese motorcycle show), but these are made in Japan and would compete with bikes like the Kawi ZX400RR - who is going to pay double for a 4 cylinder when there are dozens of 400cc Singles and twins to choose from? 

https://global.honda/jp/news/2026/2260320.html

Aprilia thinks you can never have too many wings....they've just patented "Leg-Wings" that go behind a riders legs to improve aero. 

https://www.corsedimoto.com/en/motogp/aprilia-patents-the-leg-wings-from-motogp-innovation-to-the-road

Harley davidson announced their plans for saving their company and it's based on..... drum roll please.....HERITAGE! 

Can KKR & Co. buying 4 Billion of their only profitable division and giving them a very short lifeline be enough to rescue the brand?  Be sure to watch the willie nelson video below: 

https://investor.harley-davidson.com/news/news-details/2026/HARLEY-DAVIDSON-LAUNCHES-RIDE/default.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq9TOdyt6So

Phils going to guadalajara in 2 weeks, it's going to be 90+ every day, I'm flying in and out, what is ESSENTIAL, but can still be brought on the plane for comfort and safety? 

Anyone wanna ride the Triumph speed 400? I'm bringing one.  

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podcast 546 show notes: 

https://www.youtube.com/@ClevelandMoto/streams

Mid Ohio / AMA VMD camping/ticket madness. I guess we're only allowed to co-habitate this year at VMD. The price has gone up and your tent or camper pass comes with 2 all-weekend passes. Well, that's no fun. 

The CAKE Comeback: the return of the electric motorcycle manufacturer under new ownership, analyzing what this means for the premium electric commuter market.

Honda’s E-Clutch Expansion:  the 2026 Transalp getting the Automated E-Clutch, discussing if this technology is the future of accessible adventure riding.

CFMOTO’s High-Revving 500SR Voom: Analyze the specs of the new 500cc inline-four sportbike and whether retro-styled, smaller displacement bikes are gaining momentum.

Bimota KB399 First Look: Discuss the Italian brand's new sub-400cc sportbike, focusing on the intersection of premium pricing and small-displacement.

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youtube.com/live/uIuIykQsSqI?feature=em-lsb-owner

Cleveland Moto Podcast Show notes 545 

Welcome back to the Romantic Hispanic, Oscar is in town.

What tech can you live without on your motorcycle? 

Airbags, put them on the person, or put them on the bike? 

Recalls: The 2026 Yamaha TW200 has been recalled due to a faulty speedometer. 

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Remember folks...Ride Fast and Take Chances! check out our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/ClevelandMoto

https://youtube.com/@clevelandmoto?si=vykhTfm5eafJBwwB

Episode 544 show notes: 

What is the most reliable motorcycle? 

Is a Lithium motorcycle battery right for you? 

Triumph is giving away a special edition Bonneville 1200 for the distinguished gentleman's ride. 

Kawasaki has upped the ninja zx6 recall into a do not ride/d do not sell situation. Going back to 2024. 

The baby GS has been announced for the European market, but we won't be seeing it until it's a 27 model for the United States. Expect the price to be over $7,500 for the base model. Built by TVs in India

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Not foolin' this is one of our absolutely greatest guests ever. Graham Sykes and his wife Diane are the brains and brawn behind the Force Of Nature Steam Powered drag racing motorcycle. Do you like science and engineering?  Well strap in buttercup, we're cooking with gas here (technically Kerosene). 

He's got about 8 world records including a silver medal in testicular circumference. 

It goes from 0-100 mph in 8/10th of a second. 

We also talk about motorcycles you can buy today for less than $5k (and they're all fuel injected). 

Support the show

Remember folks...Ride Fast and Take Chances! check out our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/ClevelandMoto

Watch LIVE tonight on our YouTube channel at 8pm: https://www.youtube.com/@ClevelandMoto/streams

Aprilia steals the podium from Ducati. MotoGP Results: 

Marco Bezzecchi

 (Aprilia) won the opening round of the 2026 season at the Thai Grand Prix

https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/motogp-thailand-gp-marco-bezzecchi-rebounds-to-win-tyre-drama-for-marc-marquez/10801280/

• Historic Podium: 18-year-old 
• Kayla Yaakov
•  became the first woman to reach the podium at the Daytona 200
• https://kaylayaakov.com/
• Rahal Ducati is clearly stacking her deck:   filmogaz.com/190390

Honda issues a bunch of recalls and stop-sales:   

https://motorsportsnewswire.com/2026/01/12/honda-is-recalling-certain-2024-2026-cbr600rr-motorcycles/#:~:text=Remedy:%20The%20remedy%20is%20currently,gov%20beginning%20January%207%2C%202026.

Honda has issued several stop-sale orders and recalls in 2024–2025 due to safety defects (faulty fuel pumps on Gold Wings and CBRs), emissions compliance issues (Grom 125 and 300L), and potential, faulty switches on Africa Twin models. Additionally, poor sales for certain models have led to dealers pulling stock, and some, like the Super Cub 50, are being discontinued.

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Key Stop-Sale/Recall Details:2017–2024 Gold Wing, 2018–2020 CBR600RR, 2018–2019 CBR1000RR: Faulty fuel pumps.2020–2026 Grom 125: Emission label/fuel system compliance issues.2020–2025 CRF1100 Africa Twin: Left handle switch/wiring harness issue.2022–2024 CRF50F, CRF110F, CRF125F: Off-road recall for crash risk.300L Models: Ongoing, nationwide, stop-sale due to emission compliance. 

Deaths are down injuries are up at Daytona bike week: 

https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2026/03/10/daytona-bike-week-crash-cases-up-in-2026-hospital-says/89088373007/

You can win a motorcycle for $50 at MotoGo bringing back shop class benefit. 

https://app.betterunite.com/motogo-bringinbackshopclassbenefit

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Positivity Wins. And believe me, we need a win. 

Nothing but good vibes on this podcast until Chris decides to bring up Harley Davidsons new smaller bike...we nearly lose it all. McElfresh had to shoot Tom with a Tranquilizer dart. 

Video is here: 

https://www.youtube.com/live/sXOqarOyvmk?si=zNhHkkpU4Invm_zJ

Worlds Greatest Motorcycle Podcast 

541 Episodes, over 15 years of content. Motorcycle history, service, news and ride reports. 

Support the show

Remember folks...Ride Fast and Take Chances! check out our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/ClevelandMoto

Our special guest Jeff Corsaro (Robot) from ScooterWest / Motorsport San Diego and Pete share their experiences and advice about riding in Mexico. 

1. Royal Enfield’s First Electric Motorcycle Nears Launch

Key points:

1. $6500~$8000 USD
2. Rumored to carry tech roughly on par with a 250–350cc petrol bike’s performance. But top speed 70mph
3. 62-93 miles on a 5~7.5 kw/h battery 

https://www.designboom.com/technology/wing-shaped-magnesium-battery-case-electric-motorcycle-ff-s6-off-road-flying-flea-royal-enfield-11-05-2025/#:~:text=S6%20take%20inspiration%20from%20the,music%2C%20and%20other%20connected%20features.

 2. Honda Revives Multiple Iconic Models for 2026–2027

Key points:

1. Honda announced the return of several classic and niche models across its 2026–2027 lineup.
   • Sportbikes: MSRP reductions of $500–$1,000 on models like the CB500 Hornet, CBR500R, and CBR650R.
   • Technology: The E-Clutch system is expanded to the 2026 CB750 Hornet.
   • Bet you didn't even know they made trials bikes: 
     
     
   • https://hondanews.com/en-US/powersports/releases/release-a1b87e077480ca5300ff8f02cf07a480-2025-honda-montesa-cota-models-features-and-benefits

3. Harley-Davidson Shifts Homecoming & Partners With Summerfest

Key points:

1. Harley-Davidson is reshaping its Milwaukee Homecoming event, making it part of Summerfest which is an annual 9 day music festival. HD will be part of it every 5 years.
2. The moves come as Harley pushes to integrate with larger audience demographics and save $$$

4. UK Motorcycle Industry Faces EV Incentive “Cliff Edge”

Key points:

1. The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) warns the end of the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant (PiMG). Cars continue to get subsidies and discounts. MC's might have to start paying a per-mile road usage fee since they're not buying any taxed-gasoline. 

5. Two British Riders Face Legal Case in Iran – Community Reacts

Key points:

1. Two British motorcyclists travelling long-distance were detained and charged in Iran.
2. On 3 January, the couple were detained despite having Iranian visas, a guide and an approved itinerary.
3. Are they spies or just future trading-fodder? 
4. Would you ride in Iran? Pakistan? Jordan? 

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Remember folks...Ride Fast and Take Chances! check out our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/ClevelandMoto

Just kidding, sleepy picked these topics and had AI add some flavor. 

This is cool anyway:

https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/something-different/moto-morini-ti22-corsaro/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQEZkhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJ1V295MmFRRDVOQmU2VVBac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpamHGALvCgRkivbFcRjQka9PDRaCItlfBDu20z1GwguBnP55H1Nhju3w4ah_aem_-OMJ1omFY3eD_2K0g8jVKQ

(Loose Bullet Point Rundown – No Scripted Radio Stuff)

1) Federal Bill to Redefine “Motorcycle” (H.R. 3385)

Source:
https://powersportsbusiness.com/news/motorcycle/2026/02/19/bill-aims-to-redefine-motorcycles-leaving-slingshot-in-classification-limbo/

Bullet Points:

• Proposed federal change to motorcycle definition.
• Could remove autocycles (like Polaris Slingshot) from “motorcycle” category.
• Would affect:
  • Licensing requirements
  • Helmet laws
  • Registration standards
  • Federal safety compliance
• Motorcycle Industry Council strongly opposing.
• States often mirror federal definitions → could trigger 50-state mess.
• Bigger question:
  • Is this about safety?
  • Or about protecting traditional motorcycle classification?

Debate angle:
Where do we draw the line between motorcycle, trike, and car-with-handlebars?

2) MotoGP Moving Australian GP to Adelaide Street Circuit (2027)

Official Announcement:
https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2026/02/19/motogp-to-roar-into-the-city-streets-of-adelaide-from-2027/874866

Bullet Points:

• Australian GP leaving Phillip Island.
• Moving to downtown Adelaide street circuit.
• First premier-class MotoGP street race.
• 340+ km/h bikes on city streets.

Why This Is Huge:

• Phillip Island is iconic. Fast. Flowing. Dangerous in its own way.
• Street circuits = tighter, less runoff, concrete walls.
• F1-style spectacle move?
• Is this Liberty Media influence?
• Will riders push back?
• Safety vs spectacle debate.

Discussion angle:
Is MotoGP becoming entertainment-first like F1?
Or is this just evolution?

3) Harley-Davidson Scaling Back Production

Source:
https://www.the-sun.com/motors/15938521/harley-davidson-decreasing-motorcycle-production/

Bullet Points:

• Harley reportedly reducing motorcycle production.
• Shifting focus toward:
  • Parts
  • Accessories
  • Apparel
  • Aftermarket margins
• Higher profit per customer vs per bike.

Big Industry Questions:

• Are OEMs becoming lifestyle brands first?
• Is this supply chain caution?
• Is demand soft?
• Smart long-term profitability move?
• What does this mean for:
  • Dealer floor space
  • Inventory flow
  • Used market values

Debat

Support the show

Remember folks...Ride Fast and Take Chances! check out our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/ClevelandMoto

HD loses $37MILLION in sales in just one year. 

https://dealernews.com/Home/post/harley-davidson-reports-q4-year-end-financials/

Livewire #1 U.S. electric motorcycle in the on-road motorcycle market in terms of retail sales!!!

Livewire (is that even still a thing?) They sold only 653 bikes this year. Which they're bragging about being UP over the 612 they sold last year. Great for them, so how much did they lose last year?  Oh, they lost $75MILLION DOLLARS!!!!

https://dealernews.com/Home/post/livewire-q4-financials/

The taxpayer has supported Harley Davidson to the tune of 2.7 BILLION dollars since 2008. 

https://subsidytracker.goodjobsfirst.org/parent/harley-davidson

Ducati Celebrates their 100th anniversary with the Formula 73 $20,000
Now technically they were producing capacitors in their house for Manen, but we're not keeping score anymore and the facts don't matter. Their first actual motorbike was 1949. 

https://www.ducati.com/us/en/bikes/heritage/formula-73

Sleepy will undoubtedly be making "motorbating" noises at this point. 

KTM has layed off / fired over 1500 employees. Says they were too "topheavy" with 3x more administration than actual workers. 

https://www.vikingbags.com/blogs/news/ktm-lays-off-500-more-employees-plans-restructuring?srsltid=AfmBOorgfiE7lQbu_HQTxjIQxjrDMp9YtvqNQM9AWu_0Vxv1a03gxiB3#:~:text=KTM%2C%20mainly%20Bajaj%2C%20lays%20off,He%20further%20added:

Harley admits there's going to be a layoff. See story about $217 Million dollar loss above: 

https://www.rideapart.com/news/787052/harley-davidson-headcount-reductions-layoffs/

Worlds Greatest Motorcycle Podcast 
Over 200 combined years of Motorcycle experience.
Moto news, tricks, tips, insider info and more.
We like fun, so no religious or political talk.

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Remember folks...Ride Fast and Take Chances! check out our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/ClevelandMoto