Ups & Downs

Ups & Downs

UP: To Titan Motorcycles, for its admirable product placement. That's a $40,000 Gecko V-Twin, replete with Rabbit's Head tank logo, perched between covergirl Nikki Ziering's legs on the August Playboy. The bike is the grand prize in an ongoing sweepstakes, and will be given away at Daytona Bike Week 1998. For more info, pick up a copy of the magazine-after buying Cycle World, of course.

DOWN: To Larry Givens, AAA Michigan Vice President Corporate Relations, for his pig-headed comments regarding the proposed repeal of his state’s mandatory helmet law.

“Some may say this is an issue of personal rights-that motorcyclists should have the right to choose,” Givens said, displaying a firm grasp of the obvious. “But taxpayers foot the bill for many of the increased costs which result from lack of helmet use. The societal cost must also be weighed against these individual rights.”

A familiar rally cry, and fortunately one which the House Transportation Committee ignored by voting in favor of the helmet repeal. The bill now goes before the House for final approval.

UP: To the Ultimate Visual Dictionary, for showing kids that reading about motorcycles is fundamental. Published by Dorling Kindersley of The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle fame, the easy-reading tome dedicates eight of its 640 glossy, color pages to motorcycles. Included are diagrams and cutaway illustrations accompanied by detailed descriptions of the chassis, engine, suspension, brakes and more. From HarleyDavidson Big Twins to scooters, this reference guide has it all. That’s what we’d call higher education.