Etc.
etc.
ALL-NEW VFR ON THE WAY?
Everyone's all-around best sportbike, the Honda VFR75O, is due for an update. You've heard the rumors of an 850cc version? Well, forget `em. The latest dope from CW's European moles has a 781 cc VFR800 in the lineup for `98, re skinned, fuel-injected and about 60 pounds lighter than the current VFR75O. Mmmm, can't wait.
TEXAS TURN AROUND
On September 1, Texas joined the growing number of states to do away with mandatory helmet use for motor cyclists. Under the law, riders over the age of 20 are allowed to go without helmets as long as they have complet ed a rider-education course or are cov ered by a health-insurance plan that provides at least $10,000 in benefits. Texas motorcyclists who meet the requirements can apply for a $5 hel met-exemption sticker that alerts lawenforcement officers they have complied with the regulations. Out-ofstate riders, or Texas residents who elect not to acquire the sticker, can still ride helmetless provided they are able to show police proof of adequate in surance or safety-course completion. The new statute has some detrac tors, though. "This law creates a morass of ambiguity," said Sean Maher, AMA legislative specialist. "If you opt not to obtain a sticker, or if you ride in from another state...you're suddenly subject to traffic stops at the whim of local authorities. Even if you carry the proper forms, that's one heck of an inconvenience."
WWW.SURPS.UP
The Info Superslab gets more crowded by the day. Latest to set up websites are Ducati (www.ducatiusa. corn) and Polaris (www victory usa.com). Also about to come online is Motorcycle-USA .com, promoted as "the Internet's most complete point of access to the world of motorcyclerelated information." The service will provide links to hundreds of motor cycle websites, report industry news and race results, and offer chat rooms plus an interactive fantasy racing game.
KAWASAKI CUTS PRICES
After last month's mid-weight cruiser comparo shipped, Kawasaki informed us prices of its Vulcan 800 and Vulcan 800 Classic had been slashed to $6399 and $6899, respectively. P~ce cuts also include the ZX-1 1, which now retails for $9999, down $600.
TWO-WHEEL TUESDAYS
Speedvision, the 24-hour cable television network devoted to motorsports, recently debuted "Two-Wheel Tuesdays," with an entire evening of motorcycle-related programming. Centerpiece of the weekly broadcast is "Bike Week," hosted by Larry Maiers, which airs at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. EST. For more info, call Speedvi sion at 888/22SPEED; or visit their website at www.speedvision.com.
R.I.P., WINO WILLIE
"Wino Willie" Forkner, one of the original members of the Boozefighters biker club that inspired the 1953 movie The Wild One, died recently of heart disease at the age of 78. Days before his death, Forkner told an Associated Press reporter that he was looking forward to returning to Hollister on July 4 for the 50th an niversary of the event. "Going to Hollister is what is keep ing me alive," he said. Unfortunately, he never made ft.
PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE
Daytona's "other" Cycle Week, the Biketoberfest, keeps growing. New for `97 is the addition of a full program of vintage roadracing, run under the Team Obsolete banner. Also included will be modern Singles, Twins and BEARS races. One highlight will be the "Famous Riders" parade, especially seeing six-time world champion Jim Redman aboard the screaming, 18,000-rpm Honda 250 Six. More in formation is available through Team Obsolete Promotions, 139 Henry St., Brooklyn, NY, 11201; 718/596-0504.
