Etc.

etc.

BIG-BORE RM-Z

Suzuki has released a computer-generated image of its forthcoming RM-Z450 four-stroke motocrosser. As rumored, the liquid-cooled, dohc, four-valve, 449cc Thumper will be housed in an all-new aluminum frame that borrows elements of its design from the GSX-R repli-racers. Production is planned for August, 2004. Could a Kawasaki KX450F be far behind?

CYCLE WORLD ON TOUR

Get the passports in order, cash-in some frequent-flyer miles and kennel the dogs, it’s time to hit the road! Now in its 12th year, Cycle World’s Grand Prix Tour program makes two stops in 2004—the first in Spain (May), the second down under in Australia (October). Organized by Edelweiss Bike Travel, each tour spends a week riding the best backroads in the region before taking in all the action at the MotoGP races. So, your choice, buenos dias or g’day mate, but give Edelweiss (800/507-4459) a call quick before the tours sell out

CONGRESSMAN CHARGED

U.S. Representative Bill Janklow has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of Minnesota motorcyclist Randy Scott. The former governor of South Dakota collided with Scott, 55, at a rural intersection in the eastern part of the state this past August. If convicted, Janklow, 63, who suffered a broken hand and a head injury in the accident, could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

H-D EXTENDS WARRANTY

Good news, Harley-Davidson fans. The Motor Company has announced that all 2004 models will be covered by a two-year warranty. Additionally, most service intervals for both Sportsters and Big Twins have been increased from 2500 miles to 5000 miles.

ÜBER CRUISER?

BMW has a new cruiser model: the R1200C Montauk. Priced at $14,990, the Montauk replaces the R1200C Montana and will be sold alongside the carryover R1200C ($14,590), R1200C Phoenix ($15,100) and touringoriented R1200CL ($15,990). Acrossthe-range changes include EV0 brakes with full integral ABS, updated gearboxes (excepting the CL), and the dual-sparkplug Two Spark cylinder heads that were introduced earlier this year on the R1150R Rockster.

NEW LIFESAVING LID?

Dr. Ken Phillips wants to change the way crash helmets deflect impacts. Over the past decade, the Ü.K. inventor has been working on a “sliding membrane” that mimics the human scalp, which acts as a shock absorber in the event of an impact by compressing and sliding over the skull. According to the former general practitioner, such a design could greatly reduce injuries that occur when the brain rotates within the skull as the result of a direct blow. Testing is ongoing, but preliminary findings indicate that the membrane reduces the helmet’s coefficient of friction in a crash by as much as 60 percent compared to current models.

ATK BUYS OUT CANNONDALE

ATK has acquired the remains of Cannondale Motorsports. According to company president Frank White, the Salt Lake City-based bike-maker will use the parts cache, which is valued at more than $10 million, to service existing models and create new products of its own. “Cannondale was on the cutting edge of technology and design,” said White. “We want to incorporate that kind of forward thinking into future ATKs.” Cannondale declared bankruptcy this past January.q