About a month ago, VW boss Ferdinand Piech announced that he "…would still like a small, valuable motorcycle manufacturer." Word on the (virtual) street now suggests that Piech is mulling over Austrian bike builder KTM, whom VW collaborated with on that funky go kart-like sled, the X-Bow.

While the future of VW's extra-vehicular endeavors remains as clear as mud, I'd wager to say that their efforts, if brought to fruition, will likely produce something radical, future forward, and undeniably cool. I wouldn't expect anything less from the ambitious Piech—the mastermind behind the Bugatti Veyron—or KTM, who ignored all the superbike styling rules when they built the rectilinear 1190 RC8.

Whaddya say—do you share my optimism, or is the current two-wheeled state of affairs good enough for you?

Logo © KTM
Click to enlarge

It wasn't long ago that we posed the question "Can the Chief survive?", and now it's looking like the historic marque will once again see the light of day. The Chief, seen here in pre-production form, will be the first new Indian to hit the market. It will start at $30,999 and feature the following:

• A dry weight of 738 lbs
• Available valenced fenders (seen here) for $499
• Six-speed gearbox with chain drive
• Two year warranty
• An air-cooled, 105 cubic inch engine that produces 100 ft-lbs of torque

Other Chief trim levels will include the Deluxe ($31,999), Roadmaster ($33,999), and Vintage ($35,499).

The Chief should shape up as an intriguing competitor to Harley-Davidson; if this bike reignites the famous Indian/Harley rivalry that raged for decades, we should have yet another lively topic for debate.

For more on Indian Motorcycles, check out www.indianmotorcycle.com.

Photo © Indian Motorcycles
Click to enlarge

It weighs only 88 lbs, wears a single-cylinder 100cc four-stroke attached to a mountain bike-like frame, and might someday push the boundaries of what we call a motorcycle. Derbi's DH 2.0 concept was unveiled at Barcelona's MotOh show according to MCN, and apparently there's a strong possibility this wisp of a bike might make it to production.

While bicycle-based scoots like the hydrogen-powered ENV represent alternative fuel motorcycle possibilities for the future, Derbi's DH 2.0 is a bike you can wrap your head around, sort of a Whizzer for the 21st century. And though there will always be a market for the other end of the spectrum (such as heavyweights like the Suzuki C109R), I'm thinking a pint-sized runabout like the DH 2.0 could carve itself a new niche.

What do you think?

Photo © Derbi

Retired Formula 1 phenom Michael Schumacher has successfully dabbled in motorcycle racing, but now he's gone even further into the two-wheeled world by developing a sport riding helmet with Schuberth.

According to the company's website, Schumie is quoted as saying, "After seven years together in Formula 1 a cooperation with Schuberth is a logical continuation for me, nevertheless the deciding factor is not the successful past but the products’ sustainability."

A safety product developed by one of the greatest racers ever is sure to feature engineering details that mere mortals can't offer, and I certainly hope the upcoming Schuberth RACE helmet lives up to the hype.

Photo © Schuberth
Click to enlarge

Harley's new ads have been making quite a stir, and if you haven't seen them yet, click on the image for a closeup. The major thrust is, "We don't do fear... If 105 years have proved one thing, it's that fear sucks and it doesn't last long. So screw it, lets ride."

Some are complaining that the ads reveal that HD is out of touch, while others have praised the campaign's boldness. It does seem awfully savvy of Harley to dismiss many of the fears floating around these days, but on the other hand the ads do capture the escapist spirit of riding.

According to Ad Age, the campaign was based on opinions collected from Harley riders at rallies and races; I'm curious to hear what you think.

Photo © Harley-Davidson

Everything about the 2008 Suzuki Boulevard C109 is big: from its leg spreading tank and its behemoth pistons (which Suzuki claims are the largest of any landgoing, gasoline powered vehicle) to its 240mm rear tire, this bike offers a road presence that is not for the shy or faint of heart.

To read more about the C109's Gixxer-derived engine and how it stands out in a field of thumpy cruisers and touring cruisers, check out our 2008 Suzuki C109R and C109RT review. And if you just want the visual story, be sure to take a look at our photo gallery.

Photo © Brian J. Nelson

Among the cool products Dainese showed off at the 2008 Legend of the Motorcycle Concours was an old school Giacomo Agostini tribute helmet and their forward thinking D-Air airbag. Agostini, who has an astounding 15 Grand Prix championships under his belt, was honored with a modern, limited edition AGV* helmet that features the colors of the Italian flag. Ago told me, "You don't recognize people like Valentino Rossi today on motorcycles because the helmets have so many colors," touting the instant visual appeal of classic helmet graphics.

On the other hand, Dainese's trick D-Air system deploys a collar-like airbag within 40 milliseconds of an accident. The system has been in development since 1996, has been successfully tested at GP races, and will someday offer shoulder, collarbone, and neck protection to civilians like you and me.

The diversity of Dainese's work shows that they can keep an eye on the past while looking towards the future... no doubt, in part, thanks to a progressive attitude and a healthy research & development budget.

* Helmet manufacturer AGV is owned by Dainese.

Photos © Basem Wasef; Click to enlarge

It was a narrow victory, but thanks to your votes the 2008 Honda Gold Wing edged out the Honda VTX1300T as About.com's Long Term Test Motorcycle.

I recently picked up the bike from Honda's headquarters in Torrance, California (where, incidentally, I also spotted a not - for - U.S. - consumption Transalp!), and have logged Long Term Test #1.

Check out my first report and stay tuned for regular updates on life with Honda's $23,099 übertourer.

Photo © Basem Wasef
Click photo for Long Term Test #1

According to a statement released today, the doors of Harley-Davidson's museum will finally open to the public on Saturday, July 12th at 10:00 a.m. The 130,000 square space near downtown Milwaukee will feature historic photographs, videos, artifacts, and of course hundreds of bikes from the company's vast archives.

Harley plans to celebrate the grand opening with a ceremony that will lead into weekend-long celebrations which include live music performances, bike-building, and live tattooing. Grand opening weekend tickets will available on Tuesday, May 20th at www.h-dmuseum.com/tickets. Incidentally, access inside the museum for the August 28-31 105th Anniversary Celebration is no longer available, since those tickets became spoken for nearly six months ago.

Rendering © Harley-Davidson
Click to enlarge

Don't let its fancy name fool you: the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours d'Elegance is good-spirited gathering of some of the most enthusiastic vintage bike collectors and fans on the planet. I succumbed to serious moto lust last year when I attended the second annual event, and this year's competition didn't disappoint.

With MV Agusta and Norton as featured marques, and everything from Hondas to Harleys and even a propeller-driven bike represented, the third annual Legend of the Motorcycle reminded us why we chose it as one of our 10 Great Motorcycle Events. Take a look at closer look at this year's highlights in our 2008 Legend of the Motorcycle photo gallery.

Photo © Basem Wasef
Click for photo gallery