Builder: Erik Buell

I had a chance to sit down with Erik Buell some time ago at Pro Italia’s annual Cafe Desmo event, where not only was Erik showing the incredibly exotic carbon 1190RS, but a client had brought their own freshly delivered … Continued

What 2011 meant for motorcycles

The past three years have cast a pall over manufacturing world wide. For the motorcycle industry, its hue has been particularly dark. We have witnessed the death of brands, from the historic to eager start ups, written long essays theorizing … Continued

Italy: the world’s favourite motorcycle brand

Italy is facing crisis. In the news almost daily, the dire economic situation of the world’s 8th largest economy is crushing the country. There is talk of default, of exiting the Euro and the government of prime minister Silvio Berlusconi … Continued

Happening: Cafe Desmo 2011

If Italian and vintage bikes are considered sexy, then walking around this year’s Cafe Desmo 2011 at Pro Italia in Glendale, CA was a lot like checking out a porn convention. Everyone hangs out and has a great time laughing, … Continued

From Mandello del Lario to the Stelvio Pass

It happened by accident, this strangely symmetrical mix of bike and destination. Needing to escape from a town with its population temporarily doubled by the Germans in laced leather trousers that inexplicably descend on any European bike event, I made … Continued