Round·up

ROUND·UP

JOE PARKHURST

THINGS could be worse. According to the authoritative Wards Automotive Report, quoting R.L. Polk and Co. figures, motorcycle sales were up for the last part of 1975. Registrations increased by 14 percent following nine months of a decline that finally terminated at 27.5 percent. These figures do not include off-road bikes, which, according to Wards, traditionally account for 45 percent of sales.

Of the top ten bike makers, only Kawasaki showed an increase over 1974, thereby bumping Yamaha from the second best-selling spot behind Honda. By noting that Michigan dropped to fourth place in the national ranking of bike sales, with Ohio and Texas moving into second and third behind California, Wards also calls attention to another economic indicator. Unemployment in Michigan’s hard-hit auto industry accounted for at least part of the slump in bike sales.

THE trials season has begun again. In the first big national trial in England, young Suzuki factory rider Nigel Birkett emerged victorious by losing only eight marks to factory Montesa rider Malcolm Rathmell. A new riding star, Ossamounted John Reynolds, was 3rd.

Rob Edwards rode the newest 348cc prototype Montesa Cota, it weighs about the same as the 250, has a centerport engine and six speeds. The rear brake is inside the rear sprocket of the conical hub. A steeper fork angle is used; a unique adjustment forward of the base of the forks maintains wheelbase. Production models will have the gearshift on the left.

ILAN, Italy, was the scene of the annual European motorcycle show that alternates its location with Cologne, West Germany. More than 600,000 people attended the show in November of ’75. Among the delights were Benellis and Moto Guzzis with the same fourcylinder engines. Both firms are deTomaso-owned. Italian motorcycle production was

down about 25 percent in showing of new models and 1975, as were exports and motorcycle products all the new registrations, making the more significant.

Harley-Davidson showed a 30-hp two-stroke Twin—with electronic ignition and five speeds—that is possibly guilty of the most bizarre styling ever seen. Nice wheels, though, and handsome Campagnolo hubs.

Moto Guzzi stunned everyone with the most exciting styling treatment seen to date on its sedate line of machines. The new model is tagged the LeMans, and Berliner Motors, U.S. importers of Moto Guzzis, showed it in the motorcycle trade show early this year. Two versions are offered. The one shown here is an 81-hp model with 36mm carburetors. A slightly detuned version is also in the works. The super trick model will reach about 130 mph. Close-ratio gears are also available for the sport bike.

Ducati displayed an interesting 125cc two-stroke enduro bike. Alloy wheels and three brake discs are a little unusual for an off-road machine, but the shock angle keeps it looking like one. It uses an 18-in. front and 15-in. rear wheel, so it is doubtful that it will be seen in the dirt very often, unless some road rider cuts a corner. Ducati claims 22 hp at 9000 rpm for the new arrival, so its state of stock tune belies its evident designed nature.

Another strange combination was on the Husqvarna/ Laverda stand, if you’re ready for something like that. Laverda has mounted a 125cc Husky engine in a chassis of its design. The engine, standard power for the 125 Husky, is a reed-valve, 18-hp, twostroke Single. The new combination bike will only be sold in Italy.

Campagnolo, the brake people, showed an interesting new system they’ve dubbed “hydro-conic.” It was successfully used by the 250 H-D road racers. How does it work? Three hydraulicallyoperated pucks press against the çone-shaped, iron-lined inner liner. The brake is available in three sizes. ES