Etc.
ECT.
DUCATI DOWNPLAYS 1996
Ducati will launch a 750cc version of its best-selling Monster street-rod at the upcoming Milan Show, but in a shock move, this will be the only new model from the Italian marque for 1996. The Cagiva Group has decided to hold back all other projected new Ducati models until 1997, because of pent-up demand for the current desmo range, specifically the 916 and its little brother 748.
“It makes no sense to extend the range when we can’t even satisfy orders for existing bikes," says a company insider. “But at the Cologne Show next year, we will completely overhaul the two-valve Ducati range."
Besides new liquid-cooled 750/900SS models, look for the much-awaited 944 sport-tourer (perhaps to be called the GTV2, after complaints from Porsche) at Cologne. Singles fans will be happy to learn that a street version of the jewel-like Supermono racebike also has been included in the projected model run for 1997.
AMERICA'S 10 MOST WANTED
Honda's CBR600 is quite a steal. Indeed, it has the dubious honor of being the bike most often stolen in 1994, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Thieves were also partial to pilfering Suzukis-GSX-R750s and Katana 600s round out the three most often abducted bikes in '94. Fourth was Harley-Davidson’s Softail Classic; fifth, Kawasaki’s Ninja 600; sixth, Yamaha’s FZR600; seventh, Honda’s CBR900RR; eighth, Kawasaki’s ZX7; ninth, Suzuki’s GSX-R1100; and 10th, Harley-Davidson’s Softail Custom. The bikes were ranked regardless of model year, however most were 1990-or-newer models. Says NICB spokesman Jon Hoch, “Oldermodel motorcycles aren’t very popular with thieves.”
BEEMER RACE TWIN SHELVED AGAIN
Boxer-Twin race fans almost had something to cheer about. A reliable source close to BMW management claims the company seriously considered restarting its abortive Superbike project of four years ago, this time to compete against Brittens, Saxon-Triumphs and Harley VRIOOOs in the flourishing BEARS World Series. The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, eight-valve, desmo (yes, really!) Boxer would have been housed in an alloy, Nico Bakker-designed chassis fitted with Telelevertype front suspension. Two factors killed the project once again: BEARS rules ban four-valve desmo heads, whether they’re made in Italy or Germany; and an upper-level decision to concentrate-via back-door support to privateer teams-on Singles racers powered by the BMW/Rotax F650 motor.
MANTRA MEETS TDM?
Bimota's controversial Mantra (see riding impression, this issue) seems to be a success, with the first production run already sold out. Seeking variations on the theme, Bimota is reportedly considering a saddlebag-shod sport-touring version powered by the Yamaha TDM/TRX850 Twin.
TIRE 79 WHERE ARE YOU?
Michelin’s new Hi-Tour 79X rear tire is being recalled after some Gold Wing riders suffered sidewall failures. According to Michelin spokesman Martin Peters, the tires exceed DOT and federal safety standards, but, he explains, “Riders often overload a vehicle...when the air pressure is too low, the tire can no longer carry the load it was intended to carry." Peters says 79Xs manufactured before May 20,1995, need to be replaced. Michelin will exchange the tires with what Peters calls “a more robust” version.
