Etc.

ETC.

RENTAL UPDATE

Dubbelju Motorcycle Rentals has expanded its fleet. To its BMW R100R, Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster and Heritage Softail Classic, the company has added an R100R Mystic, a K75 and an XLH Sportster 883 Hugger. Single-day rentals start at $87 and include liability insurance, 100 miles per day and 24-hour roadside assistance. Reservations and a $2500 damage deposit are required. One-way rentals from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago and New York are available. Dubbelju (271 Clara St., San Francisco, CA 94107; 415/495-2774) offers a 10percent discount to BMWMO, HOG and AMA members.

MZ MOTORING AHEAD

Reports from Europe suggest MZ is in financial peril, but MZ President Petr-Karel Kourous says otherwise.

A published report claims Samsung, the Korean multinational conglomerate, has plans to buy the company, but Kourous says it isn’t so. “I cannot say that we have met our expectation in terms of sales so far,” he says, “but part of the challenge we face is changing MZ’s image. Too many people still think of the company as making cheap, smoky two-stroke runabouts. That’s a hurdle we have to overcome."

Meanwhile, Kourous says MZ is meeting financial conditions set by the German government, which is helping former East German companies become viable privately-held firms.

SOLAR ECLIPSE TOUR

For those seeking an unusual motorcycle tour, V.J.’s Exotic Safaris offers riding trips in India. This year’s schedule includes a 17-day excursion in late October to coincide with a solar eclipse. Another explores the Himalayan foothills and visits the Taj Mahal. For more information, contact V.J.’s Exotic Safaris, 320 Stevens Ave., Ste. #4, Winfield, KS 67156; 800-392-9678.

BIMOTA BUILDS MORE BIKES

The recent introduction of several new models is helping to fuel a Bimota sales boom. In 1992, the Rimini, Italy-based company sold just 382 bikes and its survival was in jeopardy. Under the direction of current company president Walter Martini, sales increased to 596 units in 1993. Last year, they nearly doubled to 1150.

Bimota expects sales and profits to continue rising, thanks to improved management, competition in World Superbike racing, and its new Mantra and BB1. In light of this, the company is reportedly looking to establish a second production site.

NEW 600 DRAG SERIES ANNOUNCED

AMA/Prostar has announced the formation of the Metzeler 600 SuperSport Drag Racing Series. Series rules parallel AMA 600 supersport roadracing. As such, some modifications are allowed, but wheelie bars and electronic shifters are not permitted.

Metzeler has posted $30,000 in awards, with $5000 for a win at the World Finals to be held November 9-12 in Gainesville, Florida. Contingency sponsors include EK Chains, Honda, Kawasaki, Muzzy, Pingle Enterprises, Suzuki, Torco Oil, Trett Speed & Custom, Vance & Hines and Yamaha.

For more information, contact Prostar at 205/852-1101.

FOR THE RECORD

Regarding last month’s helmet painting evaluation, Mark McClellan has purchased Bob’s Krazy Brush from Bob June. “Bob’s attention to detail and quality will remain the same,” says McClellan, who also owns Streight Edje Innovative Painting. The company’s new address is R0. Box 3444, Torrance, CA 90510; 310/212-3143.