Etc.
ETC.
FRENCH BIKES FORECAST
Given France’s healthy automobile industry and the high profile of French companies in F-1 racing, it’s always seemed strange that the country didn’t have a motorcycle industry of its own-especially as France is Europe’s number-two bike market behind Germany. But it now seems certain that this will change.
Currently under development is a range of fuel-injected 1000cc V-Twin motorcycles that are 100-percent made in France, and aimed at an October, 1997, launch at the Paris Show. Backed by the French National R&D Agency and Michelin, the first model on the company’s agenda is a sporting roadster, production of which is scheduled to begin in early ’98, with cafe-racer and naked/custom models to follow soon after.
Brainchild of wealthy industrialist Jacques Gardette, the bike will benefit from design work by leading racing engine builder Sodemo and GP chassis constructor Alain Chevallier. Sacha Lakic, designer of the Bimota Mantra, will handle styling.
Though it’s said there are no intentions to produce a Superbike version, this disclaimer must be taken with a pinch of salt, given the background of the parties involved.
BRITTENS ON THE BLOCK
Want to own an important, avantgarde piece of motorcycle history? From New Zealand comes news that the last two Britten V-1000 racebikes are for sale. One has a racing pedigree, including the inaugural BEARS World Championship in ’95; the other is a brand-new bike built to full-race spec. The Britten Motorcycle Company hopes to raise $200,000 from the sale, money that will be used to carry on development of the late John Britten’s projects, including an innovative racing Single. For more info, contact the Britten factory at 31 Carlyle St., P0. Box 7188, Christchurch, New Zealand; phone 011-64-3-379-3992, fax 011-64-3-379-3927.
HARLEY HITS MILESTONE
Harley-Davidson’s 1995 motorcycle production exceeded 104,000 units, the largest single-year total in company history.
The once-struggling manufacturer has more than doubled motorcycle production since 1988, and plans to increase its manufacturing capacity to allow a similar increase by the year 2003, the company’s 100th anniversary.
In other news, the Motor Company has announced plans to relocate its parts and accessories division to a new 25-acre site close to its Milwaukee, Wisconsin, headquarters, and has sold its Holiday Rambler R.V. division to Monaco Coach Corporation for $50 million.
NOBODY’S FAULT
As if motorcycle insurance rates weren’t high enough already, no-fault insurance has become law in 12 states and California could be next.
Proposition 200 would require California motorcyclists injured in bike-car altercations to tap their own policies to pay medical bills, even if the car driver was at fault. As a result, motorcycle insurance rates could skyrocket.
A consumer/business coalition called the Alliance to Revitalize California authored the initiative, which is designed to eliminate unnecessary litigation and lower premiums-at least for automobile owners. “It is true that motorcycle insurance will cost more than car insurance, because you’re more likely to suffer injuries on a motorcycle,” concedes Alliance director Michael Johnson. But, he hastens to add, the motorcyclist would typically be covered by the car driver’s policy for anything over $50,000. “Motorcyclists will wind up with better coverage and premiums will cost about the same as today, but with better prices on car premiums," Johnson concludes.
The initiative was scheduled to be voted on during California’s March elections.
