2005 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Vespa goes back to the future

IT'S been a while coming, but the gorgeous Vespa 946 - EICMA 2012's Best of Show - has finally introduced something to the two-wheeled world that our four-wheeled counterparts have had for a while.  I call this 'reverse retro-futurism' - the art of borrowing lines from models past and imbuing them with a sleek sense of future direction (as opposed to retro-futurism, the pre-1960s design trend of depicting the technology of the future. The term 'decopunk' may come close, but feel free to tell me if there's a more exact term.) It's what the New Mini and the New Beetle (both 1997 and 2012 versions) have done so well, and so successfully: building an all-new model as a tribute to a classic, something that's modern yet already timeless, with a widely-appreciated, inclusive aesthetic (and here we eliminate the Plymouth PT Cruiser from the conversation). The biking world is great at retro, indeed thrives on it, but not so good at adding in a taste of the 21st century.

Bob Probert’s Last Ride [video]

The former NHL Detroit Red Wing and Chicago Blackhawks tough guy, Bob Probert, passed away on Monday, July 5, 2010 after suffering chest pains while boating with his family.  Probert was arguably the all time greatest NHL fighter but also had great skills, leadership qualities and a big heart. He was taken to his final destination on a Harley-Davidson sidecar before about 1,000 mourners.  Probert was 45 years old on his passing, he leaves behind his wife Dani, son Jack and two daughters, Brogan and Tierney. A news clip and some Probert highlights after the jump.

Harley-Davidson and Best Western Expand Partnership

Harley-Davidson and Best Western have announced a three-year extension to their partnership which will now expand beyond North America. The two companies have been working together since 2006, providing benefits to customers of both brands. Under the new agreement, Best Western becomes the official lodging partner of Harley-Davidson‘s 110th anniversary celebrations as well as the preferred lodging partner of Harley-Davidson’s rentals and tours division.