Etc.

ETC.

APRILIA GROWING FAST

Aprilia is the fastest-growing motorcycle company in Europe, reports Business Week. Sales for the Noale, Italy-based firm are expected to approach $500 million this year, a 400-percent increase since 1992.

While the magazine article attributes a portion of Aprilia’s success to the unique design of such models as the Moto 6.5, it suggests that a more substantial reason may be the company’s manufacturing methodology. Aprilia is, according to the article, “one of the best examples in Europe of lean, ‘network’ manufacturing. So lean, in fact, that the company doesn’t manufacture a single component. Instead, it works closely with some 150 outside suppliers who furnish everything from motors and headlights to spokes and frames.”

The article further reports that Aprilia’s next step is entering the burgeoning Chinese market, followed by the U.S. The privately owned company plans to open an American marketing arm by year’s end, and like Ducati intends to go public in the near future.

DON’T TREAD ON US

Who says justice is blind? Certainly not the 107 motorcyclists who were vindicated by a recent court decision in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With the help of the AMA, the group filed a class-action lawsuit against the city’s police department after officers stopped and searched every participant in a 1994 charity poker run. Two years later, District Judge G. Ross Anderson ruled that the officers’ actions violated the motorcyclists’ rights. And although Anderson did not award damages or issue a mandate to prevent similar police activities in the future, the motorcyclists’ attorneys are pursuing an appeal for such an injunction.

RIDE TO LOVE, LOVE TO RIDE

Mark November 10th on your calendar as the date for Love Ride 13, the West Coast happening that promoters call “the largest motorcycle fund-raising event in the world.” Over 25,000 participants are expected to ride 50 miles from HarleyDavidson of Glendale, California, to Castaic Lake, where they’ll be treated to a barbecue and a concert hosted by Grand Marshal Jay Leno. To join in the festivities, entrants must contribute a minimum of $45, with proceeds benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. For more information, dial up the Love Ride Hotline at 818/583-4321.

AMA AID

Most motorists are acquainted with the AAA’s roadside assistance program, but did you know there’s a similar program for two-wheelers? The AMA’s Help ’N’ Hands comprises 8000 individuals who are willing to help in times of need. Members are given access to a 24hour toll-free telephone number with operators who will put them in touch with the closest members when trouble strikes. Although there is no annual membership fee, members who contribute $5 or more will receive a Help ’N’ Hands pin or patch. For more information, call the AMA at 800/AMA-JOIN.

RACY PHOTOS

Pssst... Hey buddy, wanna buy a picture of your girlfriend naked? Okay then, how about one of Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey or Kevin Schwantz? RSL Picture Library is now offering photographs-with the riders fully clothed-from major motorcycle roadraces. Shot by preeminent photographers David Goldman and Patrick Gosling (a.k.a. Gold & Goose), the images date from 1985 and sell for as little as $15 apiece. To order yours, contact RSL at 342 Old York Rd„ London SW181SS, England; phone 011-44-181-265-6656, fax 011-44-181-333-2255.