Etc.

ETC.

COOL RIDES IN COSTA RICA

Starting in 1995, Pancho Villa Moto-Tours will offer motorcyclists a chance to tour Costa Rica. About the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica offers a diverse riding land-scape—from pristine beaches to rain forests to jungle mountains. Pancho Villa will provide BMW F-650 Funduros and a support vehicle for luggage transport. For more information contact Pancho Villa Moto-Tours, 8042 Pioneer Oak, Converse, TX 78109; 800/233-0564.

BRITISH BIKE MUSEUM ADDS CLASSIC RACERS

Britain's National Motorcycle Museum boasts one of the world's finest vintage bike collections. Now, with the addition of 180 British rac ing motorcycles known as the Brooklands Collection, it just got bigger. The new bikes include 10 Excelsiors and several IT winners. Founding Trustee Roy Richards says the acquisition brings the mu seum closer to its goal of assem bling the complete history of the British motorcycle.

SIDECAR SPEED DEMON DIES

Bob Burns, a Scotsman who owned a 48-year-old motorcycle speed record, has died at the age of 82. In 1956, Burns brought a heavily modified Vincent V-Twin to Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats and set a sidecar record that still stands at 176 mph.

Burns set speed records in New Zealand before venturing to the U.S. Those marks, which stood for almost 40 years, are honored by a plaque mounted near the road outside Christchurch, New Zealand, where the records were set. In accordance with his wishes, Burns was cremated and local Vincent Club members scattered his ashes beside the plaque 39 years to the day after Burns set his records.

ETC.

DIESEL BIKE DEBUTS

Enfield India has introduced what it says is the world’s first massproduction diesel motorcycle. The Bullet, an ironically named standard-style motorcycle, churns out just 6.5 horsepower, with a 3950rpm redline. Fuel economy, if not performance, is stupendous; Enfield claims 180 mpg from the Bullet, which is now on sale in Enfield’s rapidly expanding home market.

BMW, HARLEY INCREASING PRODUCTION

BMW and Harley-Davidson have both announced increases in motorcycle production. BMW says it will build 40,000 bikes this year, up from 35,000 in 1993. Harley is now making 380 motorcycles per day,

15 more than before. Harley’s increase will by no means meet demand for its bikes; some dealers have sold virtually all of their 1995 allotment.

NORTON SCRAPS SELLOFF PLAN

Norton has decided against trying to round up and sell several vintage motorcycles it claimed to own. The bikes are displayed in several British museums, and museum directors refused to release them without proper proof of ownership. Facing an uphill legal battle, Norton abandoned the plan.

SUPPORT THE ISDE TEAM

The Ride To Win Fund is selling T-shirts to raise money for U.S. World and Junior Trophy teams competing in the 1994 International Six Days Enduro. The $16.99 shirts, available in sizes S-XXL, feature a multi-color illustration of Ty Davis, the 1993 ISDE top American. All proceeds go directly to the teams and purchases are tax deductible. For more information, call 800/292-5343.