Black Friday Sales!

#‎BlackFriday‬ 25% Off on Parts and Accessories. 50% Off on other selected items and ‪#‎ToysForTots‬ drop off at all of our stores. Come in this weekend for our Black Friday Weekend Sale!! Save on parts and accessories Friday and Saturday! Come in for fun, snacks, and savings!

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Honda's 2015 ATV Lineup Has You Covered This Summer!

Honda’s 2015 multi-purpose ATV line has experienced dramatic increase in the number of models available within the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon series and FourTrax Rancher series, as both families now offer models with Independent Rear Suspension capable of handling a tough day on the job or a fun romp through the back country.
 
Honda unveiled the new Rubicon during a press outing at its private museum located just a few blocks from its American headquarters in Torrance, Calif., on July 9. A Rancher model was not available for our inspection, but Honda has promised to give us the chance to review the Rubicon, Rancher and Foreman models as they become available in the fall of 2014.

For 2015 the Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon is available with independent rear suspension.

The Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon is available in two trim packages and two transmission options for 2015. The most notable styling difference between the standard model and the Deluxe model are that the Deluxe Rubicon replaces the standard Rubicon’s steel wheels with fancier-looking cast-aluminum wheels and also features red-painted suspension components along with special decals.

The Deluxe Rubicon comes with cast-aluminum wheels and red painted suspension components.

While it’s customary to talk about a new unit’s powertrain first, the real news with the Rubicon is its new Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) system. Incorporating the IRS required an entirely new double-cradle steel frame that is very different from the chassis on the swingarm version. Honda says that the new chassis is stiffer and offers more torsional rigidity than the swingarm chassis, the goal being crisper, more precise handling and a smoother ride with increased ground clearance.

The new IRS system incorporates dual arms and one shock per side, boasting 8.5 inches of travel. Honda engineers also revamped the front suspension with a new independent double-wishbone arrangement that delivers 7.3 inches of travel, giving the Rubicon increased ground clearance as well. All four shocks are preload adjustable to better tailor the Rubicon’s ride to meet varying loads and riding conditions.

Rubicons are available with optional Electronic Power Steering (EPS), and Honda engineers have devised a new three-point mounting setup for the EPS system that is claimed to make the steering mechanism more rigid for more precise steering.

2015 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon EPS Camo

Both models are powered by Honda’s longitudinally mounted, liquid-cooled, 475cc single-cylinder four-stroke, which is tuned to produce excellent low rpm torque and a broad powerband. Aiding in both power delivery and throttle response is Honda’s proprietary PGM-FI fuel-injection, which feeds fuel through a 36mm throttle body.

The main powertrain difference lies in the transmission options. While the five-speed manual transmission Rubicon can lay claim as the industry’s first manual transmission IRS multi-purpose ATV in the class, the marketing clout of that claim is debatable, especially compared to the Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Rubicon.

First introduced on Honda’s VFR1200F two-wheeled sportbike three years ago, the DCT is a unique transmission that provides the compact size and strength of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission, while giving the rider the option of push-button manual control via Honda’s Electric Shift Program (ESP). For 2015, the Rubicon’s Automatic DCT also features a new dual shift-mapping program that automatically selects between two transmission shifting modes, Cruise or Sport. Changing the mode alters the Rubicon’s shift timing: Sport mode holds the transmission in the same gear longer before shifting to deliver more performance while play riding, while Cruise mode allows the transmission to shift up sooner for more casual performance and enhanced fuel efficiency. Honda is claiming a 12% fuel efficiency increase for 2015.

2015 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon DCT

Both the DCT and manual-transmission Rubicons come with Honda’s TraxLok 2WD/4WD system, which offers 2WD and 4WD modes along with a 4WD mode that locks the front differential to optimize traction. The TraxLok also features a Speed Override mode that can be engaged when the front differential is locked, allowing increased wheel speed in severe terrain conditions such as deep mud. Helping to get the Rubicon’s power to the ground are new tires designed in conjunction with Maxxis. The new tires feature a more aggressive tread pattern for improved traction, yet their carcass design is claimed to offer a better ride quality at the same time.

Making the transmission operation even easier, the 2015 Rubicon gets a new dual-purpose lever that allows the rider to engage reverse gear as well as setting the parking brake. The rider pulls the lever to engage reverse or pushes the lever to set the parking brake.

The 2015 Rubicon’s all-steel front and rear carriers boast more load capacity than before – 99 pounds up front, 187 pounds in the rear – with flat plates that facilitate loading and offer multiple tie-down points. A heavy-duty trailer hitch gives the Rubicons an impressive 1322-pound towing capacity.

2015 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon DCT Olive

Other new features, include an increased AC generator output to 574 Watts, which will allow the user to power up more electrical accessories than before – although some of that additional power is usurped by a new 50W top assist light that operates independently of front headlights. Stopping power has also been increased via larger 190mm dual hydraulic front disc brakes and a 170mm hydraulic rear disc brake.

If you are going to spend all day in the saddle, it’s nice to know that the Rubicon has been designed with rider comfort in mind. In addition to a more “open” ergonomic triangle (defined as the relationship between the footwells, handlebar and seat), the 2015 model’s seat is now made of  thicker, softer foam, and the seat cover features a more-textured finish for better traction. The instrumentation has also been upgraded to a new electronic digital meter display that includes a handy Maintenance Minder system to signal when it is time to service the machine.

An upgraded seat features thicker, softer foam and more textured cover for additional traction.

Of course, the 2015 Rubicon also gets new styling that is designed for hard work as well as good looks. A sturdy full-coverage front bumper featuring integrated mounts for an accessory winch is a key part of the package. MSRP for the entire Rubicon line has not yet been determined.

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May Begins AMA Motorcycle Awareness Month

With the beginning of Motorcycle Awareness Month on May 1, the American Motorcyclist Association is issuing a special appeal to motorists to be aware of their driving environment, check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and, especially, to watch for motorcyclists.

"The warmer weather in May brings out the riders who have been unable to ride all winter, so it presents an excellent opportunity for us to educate the non-riding public about the safety issues that affect motorcyclists every time we roll out of our driveways or onto a trail," said Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO. "The AMA is monitoring more than 1,124 state and federal bills that would affect motorcycling safety or motorcyclists' rights, including many that deal with rider safety."

Among the top awareness issues in 2015 are distracted driving and the need for motorcyclist and driver training.

Sean Hutson, AMA government affairs manager for on-highway issues, said state legislatures are considering more than 150 bills that deal with distracted driving. Those bills range from prohibitions on minors using personal electronic devices to bans on the use of electronic devices by any driver.

Rather than solely seeking bans on specific forms of behavior, though, the AMA advocates legislation that includes enhanced penalty options to be determined by the courts in cases where distracted driving results in a crash.

In addition, the AMA supports training programs for motorcyclists -- including advanced skills courses - and more thorough education for motorists. A new law in Michigan, for example, requires motorcycle- and bicycle-awareness and safety instruction in all of the state's courses for new drivers.

Drivers can avoid crashes with motorcyclists by taking extra care and looking twice to spot motorcycles in traffic -- especially at intersections -- respecting the motorcyclists' space on the road and by not following too closely.

Motorcycle Awareness Month, launched by the AMA in the early 1980s and adopted by many state motorcycle-rights organizations, government entities and AMA-sanctioned clubs, is observed each May. Video and audio messages can be downloaded at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/Resources/PublicServiceAnnouncements.aspx.

AMA position statements on distracted and inattentive vehicle operation and rider education, as well as other subjects, can be found here: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/positionstatements.

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The Kawasaki Ninja H2

Designed to be the ultimate motorcycle, the street-going Ninja H2 is based closely on the closed-course Ninja H2R. Powered by a 200 PS supercharged engine, it offers intense acceleration, superb high-speed riding potential, supersport-level handling performance, and a sensory experience surpassing anything that riders can find today.

The “Ninja” name is synonymous with Kawasaki performance, and has been shared by many legendary models over the years. Representing Kawasaki’s leading edge, Ninja models have always been the performance leaders of their time, and have shown their prowess time and time again on the racetrack.

The 1971 H2 (750SS Mach IV) took the world by storm when it arrived. Powered by a 2-stroke 748 cm³ Triple, it was the fastest motorcycle of its time. But it was its intense acceleration that made it a worldwide sensation.

Designed to offer riding excitement at a level never before experienced, the Ninja H2 combines the joy derived from sport riding, from being able to skilfully control a high-performance machine—one of the greatest attractions of a Ninja motorcycle—and the same kind of intense acceleration for which the original H2 was famous. It is from this combination that the Ninja H2 name was derived.

Pete’s Cycle is a proud Kawasaki dealer and carrier of the new Kawasaki Ninja H2. Visit one of Pete’s three locations in Severna Park, Bel Air, and Baltimore.

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Ducati Sales

The motorcycle market is as healthy as it’s ever been, at least that’s the case for a number of bike brands have reported increased sales. Ducati is one of them after the Italian bike brand announced its achievement in setting a new company sales record in 2014. For the year, Ducati sold 45,100 bikes, two percent more than the number of bikes it sold in 2013. The 2014 gains also represents the fifth consecutive month Ducati has posted an annual increase. That’s as good a sign as any that more and more consumers are buying Ducatis all around the world. Pete's Cycle is now proud to be a Ducati dealer in Maryland, carrying the fierce Ducati Monster in its lineup.

Ducati experienced steady growth in a number of key markets, most importantly the US, considered as the brand’s largest markets. For the year, American customers bought a total of 8,804 units. Other areas around the world also brought its fair shares of Ducati bikes. In Asia, the company reported setting a new record for most units sold in the continent at 5,787 units, an improvement of 11 percent compared to its 2013 numbers. Thailand, in particular, sold 3,057 units in the year, a dramatic increase of 22 percent year-on-year.

As far as models are concerned, Ducati’s updated Monster line was arguably the biggest reason behind the surge in the company’s sales numbers. In 2014 alone, the Ducati Monster - and all of its derivatives - accounted for 16,409 of the units that were sold all over the world. That accounts for a little more than one-third of the firm’s entire sales figures. Of the 45,100 bikes Ducati sold, 9,788 came from its sports bike lineup with the most popular model being the Panigale 899 (5,806 units sold).

All signs seem to point to improved business numbers for Ducati. But while it did grow in a number of key markets, the company still saw its Europe arm suffer through a three-percent decrease in units sold, settling in at 19,743 units by the end of the year. The company’s own home market in Italy saw a slump in sales amounting to 4,284 units sold, 14 percent worse than its numbers a year ago.

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Kawasaki Ninja H2R

One of the biggest announcements to come at the end of 2014 in the motorcycle industry was the release of the Kawasaki Ninja H2R streetbike, which is poised to be the fastest motorcycle ever built for the public. The announcement came at the EICMA expo in Milan, which was the biggest news story of the entire event.

The H2R is not for the faint of heart and has so much power that it can be driven only on the racetrack. To accommodate those who want the power on the streets, Kawasaki made a street legal version – the Ninja H2. However, with the growing attention of the H2, a lot of industry experts wonder if the motorcycle plans to live up to the hype. According to Cycle World, the H2 has an absolutely insane 300-hp engine and a price tag that is more than $50,000.

H2 Brings Extra Hype – Even For The Limited Bike

Even though the majority of riders will never get on top of one of these beast machines, it still has a ton of hype that brings back some memories of classic muscle cars or vintage bikes. Kawasaki claims the motorcycle weighs only 525 pounds wet – including fluids, gas and everything else needed to take the bike for a spin.

On the other hand, some experts in the industry said the Ninja H2 is much closer to the 200 hp range, and overall output was said to be much higher than originally expected, the source reported. All the excitement for the Ninja H2 comes from its supercharger and the ridiculous amount of horses it carries, but other super streetbikes are available with a much lower price tag.

Changing The Industry And Buyers’ Mindsets

According to the Times of Oman, Kawasaki said the Ninja H2 is the “most exciting and fastest motorcycle ever” and that it will change the way consumers and other bike manufacturers think about or create rides in the future. However, the bike is still exciting plenty of riders willing to splurge on the superbike.

“This is the most ultimate bike I’ve ever come across,” said Talal Husain Al Balushi, sportsbike owner and expert, according to the source. “It is entirely in a class of its own. It is pure thrill to even have a glance at the beauty. I cannot wait to see the bike in reality; to feel it up close. The bike’s sinister performance and devilish looks make it dangerously addictive.”

Some of the other features that make this superbike stand out among any competitors is that it is “meticulously hand-assembled” and has a flashy paint job that will excite any motorcyclist, Jalopnik reported. Still, some riders are skeptical about the reduced H2 version that will be street legal. However, Cycle World stated the newly revised H2 has only different camshafts, head gaskets, clutches and a legal exhaust system for public roads.

Orders Ended In December

Even if some riders are still on the fence and debating on biting the bullet to obtain the H2R or street legal H2, orders for the bike actually ended Dec. 19, but a list of specific guidelines for possible buyers was included and forced riders to acknowledge the rules before the company would accept the deposits for the motorcycle.

The H2R does not come with a warranty and requires service inspections for every 15 hours of engine operation above 8,000 rpm, which only makes the bike that much more expensive for the public. However, diehard riders who put their money forward will surely believe the hype when they finally get on top of the Ninja H2 or H2R.

Pete's Cycle is a proud Kawasaki dealer and excited hear news about the newest Kawasaki models!

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40th Anniversary Gold Wing

Forty years ago, we introduced our first Gold Wing, and this year it’s time to celebrate! Your new Gold Wing features special 40th Anniversary badging and emblems. You already know that a Gold Wing sets the standards for luxury touring, and it has for the last four decades.

No motorcycle has changed the concept of touring like the Honda Gold Wing. A horizontally opposed engine offering power, performance, and perfect smoothness. Shaft final drive. A chassis designed for day-long comfort. And over the last four decades, the Gold Wing has just gotten better and better, and touring riders have had it better and better too—full-coverage bodywork, bigger engines, more cylinders, better chassis, more power, integrated luggage.

So this year it’s time to celebrate with a special 40th Anniversary Edition—our 2015 Gold Wing, a motorcycle that’s come to define what a touring bike can be, and to set the standards for luxury on two wheels.

Take a week off—or even just a weekend. Pack up the Gold Wing’s saddlebags. Settle in behind that full-coverage windshield and bodywork. And point it down the road to someplace you’ve never been.

Or plan your lifetime trip, and program it in to the Gold Wing’s navi system. You see, the Gold Wing doesn’t dictate how or where you ride—it lets you live the dream, and lets you take a lucky passenger along too.

If there’s one thing that sets a Honda apart, it’s our dedication to superior engineering. Make that two things—in addition to that innovative design, Honda’s build quality is second to none. You can see it in your Gold Wing’s fit and finish. But you also see it in how well your Gold Wing runs, and for how long. The Honda Gold Wing is the absolute gold standard in motorcycling, that’s for sure. You’ll realize it on your first ride. But, more important, you’ll still know it’s true 1,000 rides later.

Revolutionary. Extraordinary. Standard-setting. It's what you've come to expect of the Gold Wing. And that’s especially true with our latest model.

Stay tuned for the 40th Anniversary Gold Wing at Pete's Cycle.

 

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