2011 Harley-Davidson Blackline: New for 2011, the Blackline is a softail long custom designed to fill the gap in the Milwaukee manufacturer's "dark custom" lineup. With a wheelbase of 66.5 inches and a saddle just 24 inches off the pavement, the Blackline is one of Harley's longest and lowest bikes. Starting at $15499, it's powered with a 96-cubic-inch V-twin engine. Read more at lat.ms

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter Harley-Davidson Blackline

Susan Carpenter takes the P120 Fighter Black Flag for a test drive. Read more at lat.ms

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GOTO: tinyurl.com FOR COMPLETE REVIEW Susan Carpenter has a look at the E-Tracer, the all-electric X-Prize-winning "cabin motorcycle" that averages 205.3 miles per gallon equivalent and can reach a top speed of 200 mph. The "less than $100000" vehicle will go into production in 2011. Its target market is California. VIDEO BY DON KELSEN MYUNG CHUN SUSAN CARPENTER

Don Kelsen Myung Chun Susan Carpenter E-Tracer

The 2010 Aprilia RSV4 is the most technologically advanced motorcycle ever produced by the Italian manufacturer. The 999.6 cc, liquid-cooled V4 with the GP-inspired rigid aluminum chassis is available in 2 models, the R and the Factory, both of which underwent recalls for the models imported to the US due to faulty connecting rods. Susan Carpenter reviews the 2010 RSV4 R post engine replacement.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter Aprilia RSV4 Motorcycle

For complete review goto: lat.ms The 2010 Zero Motorcycles DS is an all-electric dual sport motorcycle capable of traveling a maximum of 50 miles per charge and reaching a top speed of 67 mph. Powered with a 4 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and 96-volt motor, it costs $9995, or $8995 after applying the 10% federal tax credit.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter Zero Motorcycles DS

The HER-02 is an all-electric race car that beat all other electrics in the 2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, placing 21st out of all 71 vehicles. The HER-02 raced up a 12000-foot summit on a 12.4-mile course with 156 turns in 12 minutes and 20 seconds. The car is a collaboration of Summit Motorsports from Japan; Yokohama Tire Corp., and AC Propulsion, an electric drivetrain manufacturer in San Dimas. Los Angeles Times reviewer Susan Carpenter takes the HER-02 for a spin at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter HER-02 electric race car Pikes Peak

Susan Carpenter, motorcycle columnist for the Los Angeles Times rides with Battlestar Galactica stars Tricia Helfer and Katee Sackhoff on Angeles Crest Highway.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter Tricia Helfer Katee Sackhoff Angeles Crest Highway

For complete review: lat.ms The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG has increased fuel economy and performance. It is 32% more fuel efficient than the previous version of this four-door coupe, boasting 21 mpg highway. It also makes 2% more horsepower and 11% more torque. Available in June, the price hasn't yet been announced but is likely to be around $100000.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Auto review

For complete review: lat.ms The 2012 Ford Focus enters the market just as gas prices are marching toward $4 per gallon. A compact car that boasts 40 mpg and starts at $16270, the new Focus is available as a sedan or hatchback, with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter 2012 Ford Focus Auto Review

For complete review visit: lat.ms 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon: A fun-to-drive family car, the $30960+ TSX Sport Wagon marks Acura's entry into the premium wagon segment. It's powered with a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine that gets best in class fuel economy (22 city, 30 highway) and second best in class for cargo space (60.5 cubic feet).

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon auto review

Go to: lat.ms for complete review... The 2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL is the first hydrogen electric vehicle the German manufacturer has made available to individuals. The two-year lease costs $849 per month and is available in one US market: LA Insurance, maintenance and fuel are all included in the lease price.

Don Kelsen Mercedes Benz B-Class F-CELL hydrogen electric car Susan Carpenter auto review

Complete review: lat.ms The 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is the convertible version of the Murano SUV, with a few key differences. Though powered with the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine, it is a two-door four-seater rather than a four-door five-seater. Available in one version with different color options, the $46390 Murano CrossCabriolet is a convertible that also provides utility, with spacious rear seating and trunk space.

Don Kelsen Nissan Murano crosscabriolet Auto Review

For complete review: www.smalllinks.com Susan Carpenter, Motorcycle columnist for the Los Angeles Times test rides KTM's 2010 RC8R at Laguna Seca, Monterey, California. The RC8R is a lighter weight and even more flaming fast version of the RC8 superbike KTM introduced for the 2008 model year: 170 horsepower, 90.7 foot pounds of torque and 401 pounds ready to race.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter KTM RC8R Los Angeles Times

Susan Carpenter reviews the Sachs MadAss motorcycle, a 125 cc single cylinder that splits the difference between the geek chic of a moped and the non-cool of a beginner bike.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter madass 125 motorcycle

Audition for Susan Boyle competition

Susan Carpenter Wanatah Indiana

Susan Carpenter test-drives the Chevy Volt. She says GM has succeeded in making an outside-the-box electric vehicle that's alluring almost any way you look at it, including under the hood. Read more at lat.ms

Don Kelsen volt autos electric car chevy chevrolet green

A visit with Dulcimer National Champion, popular performer, instructor, author, and recording artist Sue Carpenter playing her soul-stirring rendition of Amazing Grace. Learn more about Sue and her amazing music at www.suecarpenter.net.

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Fiat is making a perfectly timed reentry into the US market after a 28-year absence with a modern take on the model's 54-year-old original, autos critic Susan Carpenter says. Video by Don Kelsen Read more at lat.ms

Don Kelsen fiat autos Susan Carpenter

For complete review go to: lat.ms BMW will bring two new maxi scooters to market in 2012: a performance-oriented C 600 Sport and touring-capable C 650 GT.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter Scooters BMW 600 Sport 650 GT

2010 LaPorte County Fair - Bonnie Raitt "I Will Not Be Broken"

Susan Carpenter country female singer vocalist upcoming entertainer Indiana Bonnie Raitt Will Not Be Broken

Los Angeles Times autos columnist Susan Carpenter takes a street-legal electric golf cart to the Santa Monica Pier to charge it up. Read more at bit.ly

Electric Cars Golf Cart Street Legal Fuel Cell Alternative Auto Santa Monica Pier Power station Jeff Amlotte Susan Carpenter Los Angeles Times

The 250 two-seaters available in the US can only be leased and go for $599 a month, Susan Carpenter says. That's nearly double the cost for the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt, which offer better mileage and more room. Read more at lat.ms

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter smart car electric green

Susan Carpenter test-drives the new Camaro convertible, which features a retractable canvas top. Read the review at lat.ms

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter Motor Minute Chevy Camaro Convertible

for complete story, Goto : tinyurl.com The Brammo Empulse electric sport bike, starting at $16995, is powered with a 40-kilowatt permanent magnet AC motor and 9.3-kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery capable of 100 miles per hour and 121 miles per charge in city riding.

Don Kelsen Brammo Empluse Susan Carpenter electric motorcycle

For complete story goto: tinyurl.com The co-host of 'Top Gear' will be trying to master heavy equipment on the new show.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter Richard Hammond Crash Course BBC America

For story on motorcycle sales show rebound, goto: tinyurl.com Confederate Motorcycles' third-generation Hellcat, the X132, is powered with a 132-cubic-inch, fuel-injected S&S V-twin that cranks a matching 132 horsepower. The latest example of Confederate's push to redefine American motorcycle design is a hand-built brute priced at $49500, though the price will eventually increase to $54450.

Don Kelsen Confererate Hellcat Susan Carpenter motorcycle sales

Susan Carpenter reviews the custom built Icon Fj44, based on a 1966 Toyota Land Cruiser. Read more at lat.ms

Icon FJ44 Toyota Land Cruiser SUV Truck Car Auto Off Road Speciality Custom Susan Carpenter Jeff Amlotte Los Angeles Times

Goto: tinyurl.com for complete story RYCA Motors in Whittier transforms old Suzuki S40 motorcycles into retro cafe racers with its CS-1 kit. With the $2600 kit, some hand tools and 40 hours of labor, customers can turn a $2000 used S40 into a high-style bike.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter RYCA Motors Cafe Racer

For complete review go to: lat.ms The 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale redefines its superbike heritage with the highest power to weight and torque to weight ratios of any production motorcycle on the planet. It makes 195 horsepower, 98 pound feet of torque and weighs 361.5 pounds.

Don Kelsen Susan Carpenter Ducati 1199 Panigale motorcycle superbike