Articles by Michael Le Pard

About Michael Le Pard

Michael Le Pard (“Mr. Totalmotorcycle”) is the Founder of Total Motorcycle, the world’s largest motorcycle information site, trusted by over 430 million riders since 1999. With over 34 years of experience in motorcycles, gear and rider culture, he has built a global community dedicated to empowering and inspiring motorcyclists. Total Motorcycle remains his passion project. Combining expert research, hands‑on knowledge and a commitment to helping riders make informed decisions about bikes, gear and safety worldwide.

Contaminated Fuel Controversy at Dakar Rally

Jan 5, 2021 Michael Le Pard

Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team rider, Andrew Short, was forced to retire from the 2021 Dakar Rally during yesterday’s Stage 2 from Bisha to Wadi Ad-Dawasir, after coming to a halt shortly after the second […]

Dakar Rally Stage Two is wide-open desert

Jan 5, 2021 Michael Le Pard

Stage two of the 2021 Dakar Rally has proven to be a successful one for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing with Pablo Quintanilla provisionally finishing third fastest and teammate Luciano Benavides safely inside the top […]

2021 Dakar Rally teams take on the first sand dunes of the event

Jan 5, 2021 Michael Le Pard

Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team’s Ross Branch has raced to an impressive fourth place finish on stage two of the 2021 Dakar Rally following a faultless ride. With his strong result, Ross advances up to […]

Sim Racing: 2021 Brings larger range of formats, race cars and platforms

Jan 5, 2021 Michael Le Pard

Munich. After their successful debut in the 2020 season, this year’s BMW SIM Cups offer an even wider range of race formats, cars and sim platforms on which they take place. The BMW SIM GT […]

New 2021 Ducati’s: Power and Refinement

Jan 4, 2021 Michael Le Pard

New 2021 Ducati’s: Power and Refinement plus a whole lot more. With all the new 2021 motorcycle models arriving each week Ducati has really stepped up to the plate this year with some super models. […]

GPS issue solved at last minute for Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team at Stage 1 of 2021 Dakar Rally

Jan 4, 2021 Michael Le Pard

The Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team have successfully kicked off their 2021 Dakar Rally campaign with all riders comfortably placed inside the top 20 following a challenging stage one. With each rider focused on delivering […]

Season Review of the AMA 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship

Jan 4, 2021 Michael Le Pard

Team Suzuki Press Office – January 4th, 2021. Suzuki’s RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 teams put in strong performances during the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in America is now in the history books. Three privateer […]

Season Review of the BSB 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship

Jan 4, 2021 Michael Le Pard

Team Suzuki Press Office – January 4, 2021. A lookback at Buildbase Suzuki’s season in the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship is now complete. After several calendar changes due to the crisis, a new revised […]

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing talks about 2021 Dakar Rally

Jan 4, 2021 Michael Le Pard

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pablo Quintanilla and Luciano Benavides will today take to the start of the 2021 Dakar Rally. The South American duo have completed their Shakedown tests and all administrative checks and […]

X-raid Yamaha Racing Rally Team Partner with Sparco

Jan 4, 2021 Michael Le Pard

Sparco, the Italian multinational motorsports equipment maker will be an official partner of the X-raid Yamaha Racing Rally Team at the 2021 Dakar Rally, supplying the team with racewear, shoes, safety harnesses and steering wheels […]

Dakar Rally from Jeddah to Bisha rock-strewn tracks and small mistakes

Jan 4, 2021 Michael Le Pard

Making a solid start to the 2021 Dakar Rally, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides and Pablo Quintanilla have both successfully completed the technically demanding opening stage, finishing in ninth and 21st respectively. Following […]