A motorcycle rider succumbed to her injuries following a traffic accident on Wednesday night in Orion Township, as reported by the Oakland County (Michigan) Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. at the intersection of Lapeer Road and Morgan Hill Drive.
The rider, Jennifer Marie Billington, 48, from Lake Orion Village, was operating a 2012 Harley Davidson FLHX motorcycle northbound on Lapeer Road when a 42-year-old man from Royal Oak, driving a 2020 Dodge Caravan, failed to yield while entering the roadway from Morgan Hill Drive. The motorcycle collided with the driver’s side of the van, according to deputies.
Deputies performed lifesaving measures until EMS arrived, after which the victim was transported to McLauren Oakland Hospital, where she later passed away from her injuries.
Billington was wearing a helmet during the incident.
The driver of the van was wearing a seatbelt and thankfully wasn’t injured in the accident.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit is conducting an ongoing investigation.
Paula Wethington serves as a digital producer at CBS Detroit. She has previously worked in digital content roles at NEWSnet, the Gannett/USA Today Network, and The Monroe News in Michigan. Paula is an alumna of the University of South Carolina.
Price: $24.95 (as of Mar 20, 2025 18:52:10 UTC – Details)
Harley-Davidson Circle Logo Mug w/ Coaster Set, HDL-18615. Two 11 oz. matte black mugs with Harley-Davidson logo. Includes two engraved wood coasters that also function as lids. Mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe. Made from high-quality ceramic Set of Two 11 oz. Mugs Matte black mugs Includes two engraved wood coasters that also function as lids Dishwasher and microwave safe
The Harley-Davidson Softail has been discontinued. The latest entry-level Softail model is now the Street Bob. True to its name, it features a bobber-style design typical of a cruiser motorcycle, aimed primarily at customization, minimizing unnecessary features. This medium-sized bike offers a reliable engine and a comfortable riding position, designed to be both agile and dependable. Over time, it has gained popularity among custom bike builders. This sparked an idea – let’s explore what enhancements can be added to the Street Bob from the OEM catalog and at what cost.
It’s important to note that we won’t be seeking high-end modifications such as a Screamin’ Eagle 135 ci Stage IV engine, since that upgrade isn’t offered – although we will consider a few Screamin’ Eagle parts. Our goal isn’t to create a bike that could feature in Sons Of Anarchy; we’re focusing on reasonable upgrades available from Harley-Davidson. Here’s what we found.
For accuracy, the data compiled in this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other reputable sources.
What are the options if you don’t like Harley’s Street Bob? We’ve got 10 for you, from American Iron to German engineering
What Is A Base Street Bob Like?
Setting A Baseline
The Street Bob stands out as one of Harley-Davidson’s top motorcycles. Its starting price is $17,199, which includes features like alloy wheels and a flat gray paint scheme. The hardware remains consistent regardless of the chosen accessories. The Street Bob is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 Classic engine, delivering 98 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque from 1,917 cc. With a by-wire throttle, it offers ride modes and cruise control alongside a full suite of Harley safety features, including cornering ABS, cornering traction control, drag-torque slip control with cornering capabilities, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Despite its vintage aesthetics, such as the gaiters, the suspension is modern, utilizing Showa dual-bending valve forks. Similarly, while the brakes may not be radially mounted, the front features 4-piston fixed calipers which provide impressive feel and feedback along with robust stopping power.
What Upgrades Are Available For The Harley-Davidson Street Bob?
Accessories Include Paint, Wheels, Seats, Among Others
The Street Bob is priced at $17,199 as its base cost, coming with alloy wheels and a gray paint scheme. Now, let’s get into the exciting options. The trim comes only in chrome, with no blacked-out variant. To upgrade from the gray paint, you’ll need to spend $350 for black, $525 for a shade Harley names ‘Centerline’ in bright yellow, and $650 for the most luxurious color options, Iron Horse Metallic and Purple Abyss Denim.
If you choose to upgrade the wheels to laced ones, it will cost an additional $800. Below, we’ve detailed the most notable upgrades to give you an overview of potential costs. Some options cannot be combined – for instance, three air cleaners are available, but only one fits. Among the accessories, the single-sided swingarm bag ($242.95) might seem unconventional for a Street Bob, yet it adds a unique touch. The available air cleaners include a wedge air cleaner ($974.90) and a round air cleaner ($724.90) for a more traditional aesthetic.
A Switchback seat with red stitching is available for $499.95, while a U-stitch option can be paired for $399.95. A Hollywood handlebar ($189.95) isn’t compatible with the quarter fairing but works with the detachable windshield ($489.95) and a tall sissy bar with passenger pillion ($312.90). If you prefer a one-stop solution, the Coastal Package (FXBB) costs $1,627.99, including the quarter fairing, switchback seat, hand grips, 80 Grit claw-style metal footpegs, and the necessary components to install turn signals.
For $15,999, you can have a thoroughly modern bike with all the bells and whistles. And the right badge!
Performance Upgrades For The Street Bob
Did We Mention The Street Bob Can Be Infinitely Customized?
Harley-Davidson
The Street Bob is a unique motorcycle that appeals to a broad audience – its low seat height and friendly power delivery make it beginner-friendly, while providing enough excitement for seasoned riders. Harley has strategically designed it with a traditional frame, recognizing its potential as a customization canvas. In contrast, bikes like the Sportster S integrate the engine into the chassis, which aids in weight reduction but restricts modification options.
Harley-Davidson Street Bob Performance Accessories
This bike was the highest torque Harley-Davidson cruiser available for under $15,000.
In the case of the Street Bob, customization is wide open, so we’ll examine the options available from the Screamin’ Eagle catalog as well. You can opt for either a Stage I or Stage II upgrade, both of which include a freer-flowing intake and exhaust alongside an ECU remap for Stage I. The Stage II option provides a choice of cams – either a ‘torque’ cam for improved low-end power or a ‘power’ cam to enhance high-end performance.
Harley-Davidson Street Bob Accessories
Base price
$17,199
Most expensive paint option
$650
Cross spoke rims
$800
Sissy bar
$366.85
Saddlebags
$1,057.90
Forward footpegs
$574.95
Comfort seat
$414.95
Heavy breather air cleaner
$724.90
Black fork tubes
$549.95
Quarter fairing
$838.14
Handgrips
$129.95
Performance Accessories
$3,230
Total
$26,861.59
Additionally, for optimal performance, you’ll need high-capacity tappets and adjustable pushrods. Do note that the table below includes only the essential components for the upgrade, excluding optional but recommended additions like a high-volume oil pump and cam support plate kit for $800, or the valve spring upgrade priced at $350. Interestingly, the Heavy Breather intake is $125 cheaper when obtained from the Screamin’ Eagle section.
Unfortunately, a crate engine isn’t available; it’s best to stop the fantasies about that Screamin’ Eagle 135 ci right now. By combining the performance upgrades ($3,230) with the cosmetic enhancements ($23,631.59) and adjusting for one Heavy Breather Intake ($724.90) included in both categories, the total cost of a fully equipped Street Bob comes to $26,861.59.
Price: $24.95 - $18.10 (as of Mar 20, 2025 12:51:12 UTC – Details)
Show your biker pride with Hot Leathers flags! All Gave Some Flag is 3 feet by 5 feet and features bright, original artwork that looks great waving in the breeze or on the wall of your man cave. Designed for indoor or outdoor use, Hot Leathers motorcycle flags are dye sublimated on high quality polyester for colors that won’t fade. Never lose your campsite again! With the bold graphics and vibrant colors on your Hot Leathers flag you’ll always be able to find your spot! All Hot Leathers biker flags have metal reinforced grommets for easy hanging on a pole, on the wall of your garage or off the back of your bike at a rally. Hot Leathers Biker flags are the perfect gift for any occasion so get one for you and all your biker brothers today Decorative flag is dye sublimated on high quality polyester for durability. Use indoor or outdoor and show your support for the troops that defend freedom in the USA Colorful All Gave Some, Some Gave All design speaks to your biker lifestyle and code. PERFECT flag to fly from your Harley at the next rally Classic All American Flag, Eagle and V-twin designs capture all of the good stuff on one flag Metal reinforced grommets for easy hanging on a flagpole, back of your motorcycle, or in the man cave Flag measures 3′ x 5′
Customers say
Customers appreciate the flag’s colors and artwork. They find it a good value for money and meaningful, especially for remembering fallen brothers. However, some customers have mixed opinions about the material quality and overall flag quality.
Price: $33.10 (as of Mar 20, 2025 06:50:08 UTC – Details)
Breathtaking modern black and white motorcycles framed art prints wall art for living room and kids room. Transportation decor for boys room also makes a great gift! Get it Fast and Flawless Our wall prints are carefully wrapped with a layer of shrink-wrap that protects the surface and then wrapped with heavy-duty bubble wrap. Afterward, each wall art print is shipped inside a double-layered cardboard box, to ensure a safe arrival to its new home. World-Class Designs This art is perfect for kids room decor for boys. These home decor framed art prints wall art pieces add interest and sophistication while helping you bring a contemporary and vibrant theme together serving as wall decor for bedroom and other areas in your home or office. Perfect for Any Room Our framed art prints wall art make the perfect framed art prints wall art for a boys room, office or city inspired bathroom decor with many designs that can make a small space feel refreshed and a large space feel relaxing and inviting through transportation art. Easy and Secure Hanging Includes all necessary hanging hardware, you ll have your piece secured on the wall in minutes! Awarded American Quality and Design This wall art print piece is pridefully designed and manufactured in the USA by real artists and award-winning designers. Long Lasting, Maintenance Free So easy to maintain, doesn t require any cleaning liquids or water, just use a soft dust brush to gently remove dust when needed. CAPTIVATING TRANSPORTATION WALL ART, Wynwood Studio’s framed wall art prints wall art has been designed and made in the US by real artists and expert interior designers to bring you the perfect art wall décor FRAMED ART PRINTS professionally hand framed in a 1. 2″ Black frame. The Art print is 13 x 19 inches and finished with premium non-glare plexi glass; our wall décor is shatter proof and safe to hang anywhere MADE IN THE USA and professionally hand framed in a 1. 2″ Black frame. The Art print is 19 x 13 inches and finished with premium non-glare plexi glass; our wall décor is shatter proof and safe to hang anywhere SUSTAINABLE AND FOREST FRIENDLY framed wall art prints or a museum-worthy display that you can feel good about. Printed using ultra-premium and fade resistant inks to high definition and vivid colors ARRIVES READY TO HANG and display. Easy hanging for all our stylish home decor wall art, includes nail and all hanging hardware
Customers say
Customers appreciate the print quality of the wall art. They find it a great addition to any room, but have mixed opinions about the frame quality.
Harley-Davidson has once again reduced the price of their Nightster model.
Brabus has formally initiated plans for their next high-end motorcycle – the 1400R.
Yamaha is taking steps towards sustainability with a new carbon-neutral paint process that offers more color options and reduces environmental impact.
Let’s kick things off with the current situation surrounding Energica.
Electric Everything: Energica Set to be Auctioned Off
Energica’s Experia. Media sourced from Energica.
Minimum Bid Set at €4,275,000
Not long ago, we informed you that Energica was struggling to maintain its financial health due to some unfortunate decisions made by its parent company, leading to a bankruptcy judicial liquidation decision in October 2024.
Now, we bring you the latest update regarding Energica and everything associated with the brand.
As reported by Motociclismo, the company is set for auction. Bid submissions closed today, and tomorrow we will learn more about who emerged as the highest bidder for Ideanomics’ premier electric motorcycle brand.
What price are we expecting for Energica in this auction? Sources indicate an estimated range between €3,206,250 (the minimum bid) and €4,275,000 (the lowest acceptable price from higher authorities).
The eventual winner will obtain nearly every part related to Energica, including:
Fully assembled motorcycles
Partially assembled motorcycles
Energica’s intellectual property
Additional unnamed assets
Below is an excerpt from the auction listing outlining additional details:
“the Business Branch Energica Motor Company s.p.a., complex of assets, rights, and business relationships subject to this competitive procedure are functional to the activity of study, development, design, production, and marketing of motorcycles and high-performance electric motors…”
Only time will reveal how much Energica fetches at the auction; in the meantime, stay tuned for updates on the new owner and all associated assets!
For further information on Energica’s auction proceedings, check out Motociclismo’s coverage:
In the Net: Ducati Reports Over €1 Billion in 2024
A 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition. Media sourced from Ducati.
New Motorcycles Coming for MY2026
It’s clear that Team Red has built a formidable empire. From Ducati’s ongoing success on the MotoGP circuit to the passionate Ducati community that gathers at each World Ducati Week event, the brand continues to thrive.
While it’s not necessary, this latest update from Ducati’s financial report serves as further evidence of the company’s dominance.
Can you guess how much Ducati generated in the recent fiscal year?
Have your guesses ready? Drumroll, please… and we hope you said more than $900 million!
According to Motorcycle.com, Ducati has posted an impressive €1,003,000,000 (approximately $1,092,417,450 USD) in profit. This marks the third consecutive year that Ducati has achieved such numbers, following €1,065 billion in 2023 and €1,089 billion in 2022 (via CycleNews).
Naturally, Ducati’s CEO anticipated such results and expressed his satisfaction with the following remarks:
“2024 ends with a positive balance that, despite a challenging competitive environment, reaffirms our strength and sets a benchmark for profitability in the two-wheeler market. Our solid financial foundation allows us to invest significantly in research and development, innovation, and racing competitions while enhancing the uniqueness and prestige of our product range and maintaining the high-quality standards and service that define excellence.
This, combined with our commitment to making every Ducatista feel part of a great family, ensures that the brand enjoys greater popularity today.”
Additional details about Ducati’s 2024 fiscal year include:
Ducati’s operating result (EBIT) stood at €91 million euros (+9.1% profitability compared to 2023)
Ducati delivered 54,495 motorcycles in 2024 (-6.40% in sales compared to 2023)
If you’re puzzled by the decrease in sales, remember that Ducati has indicated a focus on a philosophy that “preserves the exclusivity and value of its products for its dedicated customers.” (via GP Paddock). With fewer motorcycles sold and increased profits, it seems their strategy is paying off.
For more on Ducati’s financial achievements, check out the full press release excerpt on Motorcycle.com:
Deal of the Week: Harley Lowers Price of Nightster…Again
A Harley Davidson motorcycle. Media sourced from Harley-Davidson.
Watch Out, Indian Motorcycles!
The latest price reduction from Harley-Davidson has sparked some excitement, and we thought it would be worth sharing.
For nearly 120 years, the rivalry between Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles has been well-known, with both brands recognized for their muscular American bikes and dedicated communities.
This long-standing competition has been compared to the rivalry between Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Recently, The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles endorsed this iconic rivalry by launching an exhibition titled “Harley vs. Indian: Clash of America’s Two-Wheeled Titans” (via Wheels Of Grace).
Currently, the competition between these two prominent American brands is primarily focused on price adjustments as each strives to capture the attention of riders this season, and Harley’s latest move may have given it the edge.
Based on reports from Top Speed, Harley has once again cut the price of its popular Nightster. Originally marked at $11,999, the price has been slashed to $10,499, and now stands at $9,999 – just $2,500 under the Nightster Special version of the same model.
Why is this price cut significant? It’s placed the Nightster at the same MSRP as Indian Motorcycles’ Scout Sixty Bobber, essentially offering American riders two cruisers for under $10,000 (or three if we include Honda’s $9,599 Rebel 1100).
What are your thoughts? Would you prefer Indian’s cruiser or Harley’s newly discounted Nightster?
For further details regarding the Nightster’s price reduction, check out Top Speed’s article:
Fast Filings: Brabus Unveils New 1400R
A view of Brabus’ teaser during their 2024 event, hinting at a new motorcycle. Media sourced from Motorcycle.com.
There’s something exhilarating about watching dreams of two-wheeled ingenuity manifest as registered patents, isn’t there? 🙂
Today, we acknowledge the impressive investigative work of Dennis Chung, who has uncovered approval documents from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Brabus’ upcoming creation. We have been anxiously following the developments concerning Brabus’s future amidst KTM’s debt consolidation saga, and this news serves as a reassuring sign.
Now, let’s get back to those documents.
Chung’s report reveals plans for a formidable motorcycle featuring a 1400cc engine by leveraging KTM’s powerful 1390 platform. We had previously learned about a trio of models including the “Brabus 1400 R Rocket,” “Brabus 1400 R Tailor Made,” and “Brabus 1400 R Signature.” With these approval papers now on hand, it seems Brabus is poised to make significant strides.
This new 1400 R was included in the EPA’s latest updates on March 11. Given the brand’s 2024 tease featuring TRON-inspired elements (with hints of a spring 2025 reveal), we anticipate an exciting bike with unique features!
For more information about Brabus’ forthcoming 1400R, check out Chung’s article on Motorcycle.com:
The Eco-Corner: Yamaha’s New Paint Process
A view of Yamaha’s new electrified paint line processes. Media sourced from Yamaha.
Electrification Enhances Yamaha’s Paint Line
While some may avoid the higher costs of going carbon-neutral, there are smaller actions that contribute to a cleaner future. Yamaha has chosen to electrify their painting process as one of those measures.
As highlighted in Yamaha’s recent announcement, the electrification of their painting process at the Iwata Main Factory began in February, introducing a fresh and innovative approach.
The new paint line, dubbed CN1, is officially the motorcycle industry’s first all-electric product painting line, driving Yamaha towards carbon neutrality.
Concerning the materials used in this newly electrified process, it should be noted that Yamaha is utilizing lower-temperature paints in collaboration with an unnamed paint manufacturer, and investments have been made in developing a smaller facility design along with advancements in insulation and air supply recycling technologies.
Yamaha claims that CN1 improves the production process as well, enhancing overall efficiency:
“…innovations in the painting process will also contribute to the creation of new product value and appeal, such as enabling colors and expressions not possible with conventional lines. The new line also contributes to a simpler preparation process that shortens manufacturing lead times, improves high-mix low-volume production capabilities, enables traceability for individual parts, provides a more comfortable working environment that makes line work easier, and more.”
– Yamaha, “Yamaha Motor Launches Motorcycle Industry’s First Carbon-Neutral Paint Line.” February 27, 2025 (Yamaha)
CN1 is merely a step in Yamaha’s quest for carbon neutrality; the company is diligently working toward their “Environmental Plan 2050” (via Yamaha), which is aimed at eliminating all emissions within their manufacturing sites in the next ten years and extending that goal to their supply chains within the following 25 years.
Hooray, Yamaha!
What exciting new colors do you expect Yamaha will introduce with the new painting process?
For further details on the electrification of Yamaha’s painting process, view Yamaha’s press release on CN1:
