Etc.
etc.
GO-FAST GIFT
Whaddaya gotta do to lay your paws on a Serie Oro MV Agusta F4, win Formula One races? Apparently. Cagiva boss Claudio Castiglioni recently presented Ferrari-turned-Jaguar hotshoe Eddie Irvine with one of the hand-built, carbon-fiber-and-magnesium machines in recognition of the Irishman's runner-up performance in last year's F-1 title chase.
SUPERIOR SHOWROOM
The world's largest Harley-Davidson dealer? That would be Las Vegas Harley-Davidson. The 1 04,000-squarefoot facility has more than $3 million in inventory from H-D and Buell. It also boasts a 27,000-square-foot service center with a ride-in valet, four detailing bays, a dyno room, machine shop and rental fleet. Added attractions include a video arcade with the latest virtual-reali ty motorcycle rides, a miniature dragstrip and Harley HOG Diner.
MOTO MULCHER
Need more time to ride? Husqvarna may have the answer. (Never mind that the Swedes no longer make motorcycles, having sold the two-wheeled rights to Cagiva in the mid-Eighties.) On sale mid-year, the electric-powered Auto
Mower uses in-ground cabling to establish the perimeter of your lawn, mowing
only within. When its charge runs low, the anti-theft-alarm-equipped unit heads home for a fill-up, then continues trimming. If only it washed windows, too...
OFF-ROAD PRIMER
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s DirtBike School is now available nationwide. Billed as an introduction to off-highway riding, the one-day course emphasizes safety and skill development. Instructional time varies from four to six hours, depending on class size, student ability and weather. For more information orto enroll, call 877/288-7093.
RETRO RUNABOUT
With Kawasaki’s W650 retro-Twin in dealerships and a modern Triumph Bonneville in the offing, could a bigbore Honda Scrambler be far off? In
fact, Honda is reportedly considering replacing the Japan-only CL400’s XR400-based, air-cooled, four-valve Single with that of the electric-start XR650L. With its compact ergonomics and low seat height, the bike would be a shoo-in for beginners and shorter riders.
CLEAN MACHINE
Honda’s 2000 VFR800 Interceptor is the first motorcycle to meet the stringent, year-2008 emission standards adopted by the California Air Resources Board. A closed-loop three-way catalyst outfitted with oxygen sensors is said to provide a significant reduction in carbonmonoxide and nitrogen-oxide levels. This, despite a reported increase in power. The cat-equipped Californiaspec CBR929RR meets CARB’s 2004 requirements.
STRAT-O-CRUISER
Titan has teamed up with legendary American guitar-maker Fender to produce the new, limited-edition “Strat-O-Cruiser.” Brainchild of entertainment-industry execs David Krieff and David Storrs, the air-cooled, 1835cc V-Twin comes with a custom Fender Stratocaster that mounts to the bike. Other distinguishing features include amplifier “jeweling” on the handgrips, footpegs and turnsignals, matching paint and a built-in kickstand on the guitar back.
