Etc.

etc.

LIKE A (REALLY COOL) ROCK

Feast your moto-lovin' eyes on this concept truck from Chevrolet. Based on the current Silverado, the one-off V-Eight-powered pickup features a custom notched tailgate that allows two full-size dirtbikes to fit in the bed with the gate closed, two integrated pull-out loading ramps and a 5000-watt on-board generator for operating power tools. Apparel-giant Fox helped with the interior trim. The four-door truck is currently on dis play at select auto shows and Super crosses. Public reaction will likely determine its currently iffy future, so let Chevy know what you think by logging onto www.chevrolet.com/silverado/foxracing.

FOUNDER FALLS

Kihachiro Kawashima, American Honda's founding father and one of Soichiro Honda's closest allies, has died at age 81. Kawashima started American Honda on June 11, 1959, in a small storefront on Pico Boule vard in Los Angeles, California. He was eventually named president of the company. Upon his return to Japan in 1974, Kawashima served as Honda's executive vice president until his retirement in 1979.

TITAN TITS UP?

Phoenix, Arizona-based Titan Motor cycle Company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. According to CEO Frank Keery, the petition was neces sitated by the company's inability to pay its vendors. "These difficulties are a short-term problem that can be successfully managed through the reorganization process," Keery said. "We have taken appropriate steps to focus corporate management on re structuring the balance sheet to allow Titan to become profitable in the future."

RETURN TO AMERICA

Rejoice, scooter fans, Vespa is back! Actually, the Italian brand that almost single-handedly put step throughs on the map never went anywhere, it was merely absent from the Ame~can market since the EPA began enacting ever more strin gent emissions standards in the early `80s. But now, thanks to a new, clean-burning four-stroke-engine de sign, parent company Piaggio will again be offe~ng Vespas in the USA. Two versions of the same basic ma chine will be offered: the $3950 ET4, powered by a sohc 150cc Single, and the $2950 ET2, powered by a 50cc two-stroke. For more informa tion, visft www.piaggio.com.

RENT TO RIDE

Cruise America has added Honda XR65OL and Suzuki DR-Z400S dual purpose bikes to its growing fleet of two-wheeled rentals. Available in 10 major metropolitan areas around the U.S., both models are past CW Ten Best winners. For more information, log onto www.cruiseamerica.com.

HARLEY TOPS

For the third time in four years, For tune magazine has ranked HarleyDavidson as one of Amenca's top employers. The Milwaukee-based manufacturer has a U.S. workforce of 7257, and apparently little turnover. According to the article, "Eighty-six percent of employees report they are `fai~y paid,' but `s the Hog that makes all worthwhile. `When you work here, you feel like you are part of what makes Ame~ca great,' says one employee."

MX THREADS

Honda factory motocrosser Ezra Lusk is the current subject of a short video feature on clothier Aber crombie & Fitch's website. The 23megabyte QuickTime movie, which was filmed at American Honda's Southern California test track, can be found at www.abercrombie.com.