Ups And Downs
UPS AND DOWNS
UP: To whoever's responsible for Kawasaki UK's advertising program, for remembering that motorcycles, and the ads that sell them, are supposed to be fun. Appearing in various British magazines, the stark ads are on the ballsy side—and none the worse for it. "Beware of American imitations" warns one (Vulcan 1500). "More flickable than a bogey in math class," proclaims another (ZX-6R). "Sex on wheels. And that's just the opinion of the bank manager," (GPz1100) is pretty good, but the big CW thumbs-up goes to "Speed isn't everything. And you watch 'Bay watch' for the dialogue" (ZX-11).
DOWN: To the state of Virginia, for wasting our money. In 1992, the Virginia Department of Transporta tion, under threat of losing federal funds, reluctantly opened its high ways' HOV commuter lanes to mo torcycles-but only for a two-year trial period. Well, the study is now complete and even the dim-bulbs at Virginia's DOT have to admit "there is no evidence that allowing motor cycle traffic on HOV lanes has an adverse impact on safety or opera tions...." Duh, and all it took was $140,000 of taxpayers' money to discover that motorcycles are effi cient commuter vehicles.
UP: To Scott Summers, Answer Products and Pirelli, for trying to keep off-road riding areas open. The multi-time cross-country champion's sponsors will make do nations to the AMNSummers Land Use Fund: "Everyone talks about doing something for the sport, but we're putting money where our mouth is," says Summers. A Sum mers/Pirelli/AMA T-shirt is available for $14.95, with $2 going to the fund. Contact Pirelli at 410 Eagle view Blvd., Suite 106, Exton, PA 19314; 610/458-9662.
