Etc.
etc.
RECORD EVO
It's official: David Willet has amassed a total of 416,000 miles on his 1987 Harley-Davidson Tour Glide, the most miles ever documented on an Evolution engine. Along the way, the High Point, North Carolina, resident recorded every service check, tune-up and oil change. For his diligence, Willet will receive a brand-new Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Following an official factory engineering study, the bike will be displayed at Harley's engine-manufacturing facility in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
GIRLS GET GREEN
Kawasaki has expanded its off-road con tingency program to include the AMA Women's Motocross League National Championship Series. More than $6000 in bonuses is now available to qualifying Team Green ders. The five-round series kicked-off in May, and runs in conjunction with the AMA Mazda Trucks 125/250cc Motocross National Championship Series.
NORTON BOUGHT
Hallmark Properties, Inc., has acquired the assets of Plymouth, Minnesotabased Norton Motors International. The deal includes all trademarks, the Shen stone, England, assembly plant, and all designs and prototypes. Former North west Airlines exec Mark Osterberg will continue as CEOICFO, with ex-Polaris higher-up John Fiebelkorn as sales di rector. Designer Al Melling has also been retained. Plans call for continued devel opment of the Nemesis V-Eight, four cylinder Manx and Nirvana V-Twin, plus a line of apparel and accessories.
NEW ADDITIONS
Road Test Editor Don Canet and wife Erin are the proud parents of a new daughter, Tayler Made, born May 5. A mini-Superll bike is aheady in the works. In other staff news, Associate A Editor Paul Sere dynski has left the magazine. Taking his place is former Cyc/e News Managing Editor Mark Hoyer. A gradu ate of George Washington University, Hoyer, 29, spends his free time fettling his vintage 1962 Aston Martin DB4.
BMW NOT ON THE BRINK
Despite rumors to the contrary, BMW is not on the block. Last year, the German marque reportedly lost millions on its British Rover car concern, prompting word of an impending buy-out. According to a BMW spokesman, however, the Quandt family, which controls nearly half of the company’s stock, has no interest in selling.
SUZUKI STOCKS UP
Amid a growing wave of consolidation in the automobile industry, Suzuki has landed a .7 percent stake in General Motors, worth approximately $37 million. Currently, GM owns 10 percent of Suzuki. The acquisition is intended to strengthen the partnership between the world’s largest auto maker and Japan’s largest producer of mini-vehicles. Suzuki also is the world’s third-biggest motorcycle maker.
TITAN IN THE BLACK
Titan has announced a record 113 percent sales increase for fiscal year 1998. Founded five years ago, the Phoenix, Arizona-based custom-cruiser manufacturer also turned its first full-year profit. “The fact that our sales continue their exceptional growth is impressive, especially in the light of a number of new entrants into this market,” said company CEO Frank Keery. Titan currently offers 11 V-Twin models.
THE HARLEY EXPERIENCE
Harley-Davidson has announced that it will construct an 8-acre complex in downtown Milwaukee. Located largely in a renovated five-story brewery, the development will feature exhibits from the company’s vintage collection, memorabilia and current products; a 300-seat restaurant; banquet facilities; specialty retail shopping; and an outdoor specialevents area. Open year-round, the facilities are expected to attract 350,000 visitors annually, and add $40 million to the local economy. Construction will begin this summer, with completion scheduled for the summer of 2002.
