Etc.
etc.
TV TIME
CBS will televise the fifth round of PACE Motor Sports’ Formula USA Wrenchead.com National Road Race Series on Sunday, October 1. The broadcast will include Unlimited Super Bike and Sportbike classes, plus rider profiles and a season re-cap. Motorcycle roadracing was last featured on network television in 1998.
BACK IN BUSINESS
Excelsior-Henderson has been given the go-ahead to pursue reorganization. Under the approved plan, Florida-based E-H Partners will provide the funding needed to pay off creditors, and eventually re-start production. Founders Dan and Dave Hanlon will remain on board, but past stockholders will not retain any interest in the company.
MZ MINI MOTARD
MZ needs a name for its new four-stroke RT-125, and is asking for your help. Reportedly, the dohc, 124cc, four-valve, liquid-cooled Single will wear 280/220mm disc brakes, and have more than 5 inches and a sub-300-pound dry weight. According to U.S. importer Motorrad of North America, the supermotard-style machine may even form the basis for a new racing series. To enter the contest-and possibly win an MZ-logoed leather jacket-go to www.motorradna.com.
SPEEDING INSURANCE
Can’t drive 55? The National Motorists Association’s Pre-Paid Traffic Ticket Program reimburses policy holders for moving violations that involve the assessment of “points.” The plan even covers DUI and reckless driving. Five bucks per month buys a minimum $100 of coverage. “By easing the financial burden of traffic tickets, we hope more motorists will be encouraged to fight unfair tickets,” says NMA President James Baxter. For more information, contact the NMA at 800/8822785 or online at www.motorists.org.
SOTHEBY’S SHIFTS GEARS
Motorcycles are becoming something of a regular thing for auctionhouse Sotheby’s. On September 16, the Chicago office will put up for bid no fewer than 80 classic and racing machines-not to mention 50 bicycles. Among the offerings: a 1910 FN (estimated at $75,000$100,000), a 1930 Brough Superior SS80 ($50,000-$60,000) and a 1951 Triumph Thunderbird reportedly once owned by actor Steve McQueen. For more information, log on to www.sothebys.com.
FREE! FREE! FREE!
Aprilia is offering complimentary color-matched hard luggage with all Pegaso 650s purchased before September 30, 2000. The promotion also includes $250 worth of credit toward other accessories, such as a bike lock, tankbag or top trunk.
BIKE-FRIENDLY TRAVEL
San Francisco-based Mad Maps has published the first of four planned “California Dreamin’” motorcycle-touring maps. The “Wine Country/Northern California” map describes and gives directions to bike-oriented eateries, gas stations, etc. There are handy, safety-related sidebars, too. “Knowing what to expect along the way is a large part of creating as safe a riding environment as possible,” explained Jenny Leffert, company president. Maps for other states are in the offing. For your copy, contact Mad Maps at www.madmaps.com.
