Etc.
etc.
MOTO MORINI TURNS 50
With all the attention focused on Ducati's recent financial troubles, one of the other marques in the Cagiva Group's portfolio celebrated its 50th birthday almost completely unnoticed. Moto Morini earned a sound reputation for small-capacity Singles in the 1960s, and went on to carve a niche in the sportbike market with a range of lightweight pushrod V-Twins through the '70s.
On the racetrack, the tiny, familyowned company helped launch the career of Giacomo Agostini, and came within a whisker of defeating Honda for the 1963 250cc world championship.
After founder Alfonso Morini died in 1969, the company was taken over by his daughter Gabriella, who in turn sold out to Cagiva in 1987. The old Morini factory was promptly leveled to make room for a housing development, but Cagiva co-owner Claudio Castiglioni insists that Morini is not dead, merely resting: "We've had to concentrate on other priorities while our company is reconstructed," he says, "but we haven't forgotten Morini. We intend that Morini should become our custom-bike brand in the future, once we've developed our own range of modern engines, starting with the four-cylinder Cagiva F4."
Happy birthday, Morini. It looks like your time may come again, after all.
CYBER-SHOPPING
You've heard of shopping by mail, now welcome to shopping by E-mail. Conveniently located on the World Wide Web, MOTOplex is a virtual motorcycle mall that allows consumers to conduct shopping sprees from the comfort of their living room sofas. Whether you're looking for parts, accessories or even an entire motorcycle, M0T0plex can be of service. Up to 50 "storefronts" are available for onscreen window-shopping, as are an event bulletin board, a swap-meet section, a used bike lot and more.
To partake in your own cyberbuying binge, visit MOTOplex at http://www.motoplex.com.
SWEET DREAMS
This month marks the Seventh Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show in Half Moon Bay, California. Taking place April 27, the outdoor show is expected to feature more than 1000 machines, including vintage or custom motorcycles, cars, airplanes and even farm equipment. The price for entering a vehicle in the show is $15, while spectators pay $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and kids ages 5 to 14. Proceeds benefit the Coastside Adult Day Health Center. For further details, call 415/726-3491.
RENT-A-HOG
It was only a matter of time before automotive rental companies jumped on the Milwaukee bandwagon. The first is Budget Rent A Car of Beverly Hills, California, which is offering a full line of 1997 Harley-Davidsons for hire. Helmets and saddlebags come standard, though renters must be over 25 years old and possess a current motorcycle license. Daily rates begin at $69, and the first 100 miles per day are free; after that, a per-mile fee is charged. To sample your own rent-ahog, call 888/WE-RENT-MC.
INTRUDER ALERT
Attention Suzuki Intruder buffs: An organization catering to the 800 and 1400cc cruiser models has been formed. "Intruders" provides a quarterly newsletter with tech info, performance tips, customizing ideas and more. The newsletter and a T-shirt are included with the $30 membership fee. For more information, contact Intruders, 12124 258th Ave. Court East, Buckley, WA 98321.
WIN AN INJUN
Want to pick up a 1941 Indian Sport Scout for just $5? That's how much chances cost for a raffle to benefit the AMA's Motorcycle Heritage Museum. The winner of the restored $18,000 classic will be drawn during the AMA's Vintage Motorcycle Days in Lexington, Ohio, July 10. Raffle tickets are available at select motorcycle events or directly from the AMA at 614/891 -2425.
