We stumbled on this interesting read about design and brand over at the New Cafe (racer) Society, worth a read if you’re so inclined and interested in such things…

[Originally via the Economic Times]

Since 1922, small, economical motorcycles have been rolling off the production lines of a previously disused textiles factory in Zschopau, Germany. Under the brand name DKW, production was up to 60,000 units a year by 1929, making it the largest pre-war motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

There was nothing fancy about these two-stroke models, and when Zschopau found itself part of communist East Germany from 1949 onwards, their continuing austerity was assured. Nonetheless, these cheap and cheerful twowheelers provided essential transport

for the masses in the Soviet Block, and exports proved successful too. Motorradwerk Zschopau, or MZ as it became known, had a distinct if humble image, and the ES125/150 became the highest sold German motorcycle of all time. (more…)

Yes indeed.

[Derringer Cycles]

Italian motorsport safety wear giant Dianese, debuted it’s airbag system (D-air) for motorcycle riders at the Valencia Grand Prix.

The system uses an array of sensors in the suit to differentiate between normal movements on the bike and those particular to an impending crash. When deployed, the airbags protect the rider’s neck. While the system is still in development for commercial use, Dianese hopes to have the system available to all riders in the not to distant future.

[read more here]

Press from Philippe’s office:

“VOXAN the exclusive and unique French motorbike brand presents its new extreme vision of the café racer. With the “super naked Xv”, Voxan by Starck. Raw power enhanced by the radical purity of the minimalism. The absolute essence of the motorcycle. 1200 cm ³. 140 horsepower 180 kg. Order on internet. Available beginning last quarter 2007.”

The design co-lab jury is still out on this one. While Stark’s first bike for Aprillia was a milestone, we are not so sure about this, We think we’d prefer a ‘Confederate B-120 Wraith‘ if we were going to go uber exclusive, expensive, nutso.

[via]