Etc.

etc.

TAKING STOCK

Ducati and Moto Guzzi are revving up Wall Street. Ducati Motor Holding SpA, as the former is now known, went public in early March. The offering comprised 17 million new shares and 73.2 million shares sold by TPG Motorcycle Acquisition L.P and its affiliate TPG Motorcycle Belgium S.A. It was anticipated that approximately 68.7 percent of the company’s outstanding shares would be publicly held, leaving 31.3 percent to the original shareholders. Shortly after the Ducati offering, Moto Guzzi, which is a subsidiary of the Trident Rowan Group, merged with the North Atlantic Acquisition Company. Reportedly, the deal was worth an initial $8.9 million in cash. According to new Guzzi Director David Mitchell, the funds are earmarked for updated products and manufacturing processes, plus expanded sales. “We look forward to being part of the corporation and brand,” he added. “This merger will allow us to build on Guzzi’s history with solid expertise and financial backing.”

TOP-10 LIST

Classic Motorbooks has announced its 10 best-selling books of 1998, and two motorcycle titles are on the list. Sportbike Performance Handbook, penned by CW Technical Editor Kevin Cameron, was the sixth most-popular purchase, while Mike Davidson’s How to Build a High Performance Street Flathead came home ninth. For a copy of Classic Motorbooks’ 136-page catalog, call 800/458-0454.

HOG PLATES

Residents of New York state who are also Harley Owners Group (HOG) members are eligible to purchase custom motorcycle, commercial and passengervehicle license plates emblazoned with the club’s insignia. For an additional fee, the plates may be personalized with up to four characters. Details are available from the NY DMV.

CONFERENCE CATCH-UP

If you weren’t among the 250-plus gearheads who attended SuperFlow’s ninth annual Advanced Engine Technology Conference last December, don’t sweat it: Audio tapes are now available. Topics range from two-stroke airflow and port design to dyno testing. Call Cliff Apter at Technical Insights, 303/745-9735.

DESPAIN JOINS SPEEDVISION

Motorsports personality Dave Despain has joined Speedvision as the host of “Bike Week” and “Victory Circle.” The veteran broadcaster will also provide commentary for the cable network’s AMA Superbike racing coverage. “It is not everyday that a broadcaster with Dave’s skills, experience and devotion to motorsports comes along,” said network founder and CEO Roger Werner. “His decision to join our team underscores Speedvision’s position as the ultimate network for motorcycle and automotive enthusiasts.”

FLEA MARKET, CYBER-STYLE

In the market for a miniature Ducati 916? How ’bout a Harley-Davidson dealer decal, circa 1950? If so, check out Mobilia.com, an online auction and store devoted to automotiveand motorcycle-related collectibles, models and toys. Billed as a high-tech flea market, the site provides a venue for motorcycle memorabilia collectors to browse, buy and sell to their little hearts’ content. The internet address is www.mobilia.com.

LET’S GET ’STONED

Bridgestone owners of the world, unite! Or at least get together this summer for some beer and barbecue. Fans of the Japanese rotary-valve two-stroke, out of production 29 years now, can commiserate the marque’s passing at the Bridgestone Registry Rally & Swapmeet, June 25-27 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Organizer and BS devotee John Sullivan can be reached at 927/592-5119.

CRUISER TOPS

BMW posted record U.S. sales in 1998, officially retailing 7861 bikes, 30 percent more than the previous year. Leading the list was the new cruiser.

“In just 18 months, the R1200C has become our top-selling model,” said Ed Robinson, motorcycle group VR “The Cruiser continues to draw praise among new and existing BMW owners for its unique, progressive design and innovative technology."