Welcome to News Cycles, Common Tread’s roundup of what’s happening on our servers and everywhere else. Every Friday, look for a collection of news, stories, and all things moto from around the web. This week: drag-racing dirt bikes, Zero soldiers on, and KTM's Scalpel.
Red Bull Straight Rhythm 2018
For the uninitiated, Straight Rhythm is essentially a half-mile drag race for motocross bikes. This year's twist: no four-strokes allowed. Just two-strokes and an electric. Winners were Shane McElrath (250 cc) and Carson Brown (150 cc Class).
Updated bikes from Zero for 2019
Zero continues to improve their existing models, rather than debut clean-sheet designs. The Zero S and DS in ZF7.2 trim get a 35 percent bump in horsepower and 8 percent more range, while the new ZF14.4 option can boost them to battery levels previously reserved for Zero’s R line. Charge tanks are coming to rejuvenate older Zero models, and they’re also adding a new mode that maintains battery health over long periods of storage.

259.951 mph on a Harley?
Don’t underestimate Hiro Koiso’s 2006 Dyna, which hit the Bonneville salt flats for a go at the record book. With its forced induction, sleek aero kit, and ruthless dedication to going as fast as possible, the bike managed nearly 260 mph. “That's the fastest speed recorded for a sit-on Harley-Davidson motorcycle, ladies and gentlemen,” reports Hot Bike.

Biltwell Gringo picks up ECE rating
Some gear news: Biltwell got ECE approval for their popular Gringo line of helmets. Though they already had DOT certification, helmet safety ratings really aren't the same, so this opens new markets and customers to Biltwell's classic lids. Look for the ECE-approved version later this year.
2019 KTM 790 Duke first ride review
Spurgeon got his hands on the long-awaited KTM 790 Duke. Thanks to reader Lederhosen for wondering, “Can Spurgeon the Surgeon handle the Scalpel?”

“Should Ago and Vale start looking over their shoulders?”
If you haven’t heard, Marc Márquez just clinched his seventh world title. Writing for Motogp.com, Nick Harris considers MM93’s chances of surpassing Rossi and Ago in the history books.
Thanks for reading; that's all for this week! If you've got feedback or moto news you'd like to share, shoot an e-mail to commontread@revzilla.com. Check back for more News Cycles every Friday.