Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

McQueen's Indian Chief, Vincent Black Shadows and rare bikes galore at the Las Vegas Motorcycle Auctions

After two days of CES electronic overload, we snuck off to Ballys down the strip and had a preview peek at the Bonhams motorcycle auction. No one was guarding the door so we just opened it up and walked right in like we owned the place. Kablam – what a sight: there were hundreds of classic bikes lined up in rows and grouped together, more or less.

Europe trailing on ESP safety

NOT ENOUGH new cars in Europe are being specified with an electronic stability programme (ESP) that is proved to be most important safety system in prevent collisions. Research by Frost and Sullivan has found Europe is lagging behind North America, where there is almost 100% success with fitting news cars with ESP. Despite ESP being included in the European New Car Assessment Programme since 2011, the study shows there has been only a minimal increase in the number of cars sold that have ESP.

BMW: Don't fear the stop/start system in the 2012 3-series

BMW is taking a calculated risk by installing an automatic stop/start system on its best seller, the 3-series, for 2012. But company brass is optimistic that American consumers will adjust to the relatively foreign technology. "Many customers will enjoy the car very quickly," said BMW board member Ian Robertson, who oversees sales and marketing.