Etc.

etc.

TEXAS TWISTIES

Miguel and Valerie Asensio have published a motorcycle ride guide devoted to the Texas Hill Country. Titled, "The Best Little Roads in Texas," the soft-bound book features detailed ride routes, color-coded maps and area attractions. Suggested retail price is $10 from TexMoto, 6705 Highway 290 West, #502-192, Austin, TX 78735; 877/858-2313.

MOSCOW MEETING

Plans are set for the inaugural International Motorbike and Motorsports Exhibition (IMME) in Moscow, Russia. The event will be held March 1-4,1999, and will feature motorcycles, scooters, snowmobiles, ATVs, associated clothing and equipment, plus interactive special events. “Russian consumers are looking for high-end motorcycles and sports-utility vehicles as a ‘luxury’ purchase and as an extended mode of transportation,” says Simon Mulcuck, managing director of Comtek International U.K., the show’s producer. For exhibitor or visitor information, contact Comtek at 203/834-1122.

JOE AVERAGE

According to a study conducted by the Motorcycle Industry Council, the average U.S. motorcyclist is a 38.5year-old married male who has attended college and earns $44,100 per year. In comparison, the average age of the U.S. general population is 34 years old, and the median income is $36,500. “This study validates that today’s riders are well-educated and influential Americans, who consider motorcycling an important and valued part of their lifestyle,” said the MIC’s Gary Christopher.

CLASS ACT

Three-time AMA Superbike Champion Reg Pridmore has expanded his popular CLASS Motorcycle Schools to include the “California Classics.” Located at Laguna Seca, Sears Point and Willow Springs raceways, the one-day schools will include both classroom and racetrack curriculum. For costs and a schedule of events, contact CLASS at 805/933-9936.

NO VICTORY FOR POLARIS

The U.S. Federal Court of Appeals recently upheld a Colorado district court verdict against Polaris Industries in a trade secret misappropriation claim brought by Injection Research Specialties. The court also upheld the previously awarded $34 million in damages. According to W. Hall Wendel, Polaris chairman and CEO, none of the technology in dispute is used in any current or planned Polaris products. “We are very disappointed in the court’s decision and will weigh our legal options for further appeal,” said Wendel. “We have a strong balance sheet, so we have ample borrowing capacity to make the award payment and continue to fund ongoing operations.”

GUZZI EXTENDS WARRANTY

Moto Guzzi has announced a new three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. “For years, we have been telling the world that we build the world’s most dependable motorcycles,” said Fran Contaldi, president of Moto America, Guzzi’s U.S. importer.

“Now, the factory is backing that statement with one of the best warranties in the business.” The new policy is retroactive to January 1, 1998, and covers current models and any ’97 models sold in ’98.

ONE WORLD, ONE STANDARD

Motorcycles may soon be required to meet global standards for both safety and performance. In fact, the United States recently signed an agreement with Japan and the 15-country European Union to help develop universal regulations for motor vehicles and affiliated products. Car and bike manufacturers have long advocated worldwide uniformity, as individual markets require expensive design differences. Possible downsides, however, could include air bags, horsepower restrictions, leg protectors and lower noise limits.