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.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2026

Jan 8, 2026 Michael Le Pard

Rally Events Aug. 7 – 16 Sturgis, SD The rally of all motorcycle rallies. Come celebrate the 86th anniversary of the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with Indian Motorcycle. This year’s rally will include live music, owner’s […]

Daytona Bike Week 2026

Jan 8, 2026 Michael Le Pard

Feb. 27 – Mar. 8 Daytona Beach, FL Thousands of riders will descend on Daytona Beach each year for this iconic motorcycle rally. Bikers will be treated to live music, miles of scenic ocean […]

VICTORY FOR LUCIANO BENAVIDES ON DAKAR RALLY STAGE FIVE

Jan 8, 2026 Michael Le Pard

Dakar Rally 2026 – Stage 5 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides delivered a standout ride aboard his KTM 450 RALLY to win stage five of the 2026 Dakar Rally. Daniel Sanders placed third, […]

THIRD PLACE FOR SANDERS ON CHALLENGING DAKAR STAGE THREE

Jan 6, 2026 Michael Le Pard

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Daniel Sanders has posted the third-fastest time on a long and technically demanding stage three at the 2026 Dakar Rally. Luciano Benavides navigated well through the stage to finish one place behind in fourth, […]

Record-breaking Motorcycle sales in 2025 January, August and September

Jan 6, 2026 Michael Le Pard

BMW Motorrad. BMW Motorrad secured its best year on record, with 2,797 motorcycles sold in 2025. This marks an increase of +4.4% over 2024. For the quarter, the brand was up +1.3% with 405 units […]

BMW of North America Reports Full Year 2025 U.S. Sales Results

Jan 6, 2026 Michael Le Pard

BMW Hits Record U.S. Sales for the Third Consecutive Year, Up 4.7% vs. 2024. MINI Sales Rise 9.3% on Strength of Refreshed Product Portfolio. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 5, 2026… BMW of North America today […]

News

BMW ALPINA: Launch of the new exclusive BMW Group brand

Jan 6, 2026 Michael Le Pard

Munich. The transfer of the Alpina trademark rights on 1 January 2026 marks the launch of BMW ALPINA as an exclusive standalone brand under the BMW Group umbrella. The initial focus will be on brand activation. Key […]

ONE-TWO RESULT FOR RED BULL KTM AS DANIEL SANDERS WINS STAGE TWO AT DAKAR 2026

Jan 6, 2026 Michael Le Pard

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Daniel Sanders has won stage two of the 2026 Dakar Rally. Leading home second-placed Edgar Canet on the route from Yanbu to AlUla, Sanders secured his first stage win of the year and his […]

Riding into 2026 with Total Motorcycle + Top 10 Trends in 2025!

Jan 5, 2026 Michael Le Pard

Welcome to 2026 and welcome back t0 Total Motorcycle, North America’s largest motorcycle website with over 435 million readers! This year we have some excellent content to look forward to. New 2027 motorcycle models are […]

EDGAR CANET WINS STAGE ONE AT 2026 DAKAR RALLY

Jan 4, 2026 Michael Le Pard

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have made an exceptional start to the 2026 Dakar Rally with Edgar Canet and Daniel Sanders delivering a one-two result on stage one. Luciano Benavides also got his race off to a solid start, placing fifth […]

THIRD-PLACE PODIUM RESULT FOR JOSEP GARCIA AT SUPERENDURO ROUND TWO

Jan 4, 2026 Michael Le Pard

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia and Manuel Lettenbichler have delivered standout performances at round two of the 2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Riesa, Germany. Garcia impressed once again as a wildcard entry, racing to a phenomenal […]

Perfect night for Billy Bolt at SuperEnduro round two

Jan 4, 2026 Michael Le Pard

Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt has delivered a flawless performance on his FE 350 at round two of the 2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, claiming the overall victory in Riesa, Germany. Bolt secured maximum points […]

Yamaha Signs Five-Time FIM Motocross World Champion Tim Gajser for 2026 MXGP Campaign

Jan 2, 2026 Michael Le Pard

Yamaha Motor Europe is thrilled to announce the landmark signing of five-time FIM Motocross World Champion Tim Gajser, who will join the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team for the 2026 MXGP season and […]

New offroad roster launched by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Dec 31, 2025 Michael Le Pard

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing has officially launched its 2026 offroad roster, with new recruit Mateo Oliveira joining returning trio Craig DeLong, Korie Steede and Ryder LeBlond for next season. All four riders bring […]

Events

A Very Happy New Year 2026 from us at Total Motorcycle!!

Dec 29, 2025 Michael Le Pard

Happy New Year 2026 from Total Motorcycle! As we kick off our 27th year serving the global motorcycle community, we want to thank every rider, enthusiast, and supporter who’s been part of the journey from […]