Etc.
etc.
ABS FOR FJR
Available this summer/fall as an early-release ’04 model, the secondyear Yamaha FJR1300 gets a larger windscreen, in-fairing storage com-
partment and optional anti-lock brakes-a $1000 extra-bringing it into features parity with the BMW K1200GT and Honda ST1300 ABS.
LONG WAY TO MONTEREY
Going to the Worid Superbike races at Laguna Seca, July 11-13? Then why not join the staff of your favorite magazine en route? Cycle World, in association with Edelweiss Bike Travel, will be hosting a two-day street ride from our offices in Newport Beach with an overnight stay in Pismo. Prices range from $249-314. To reserve your space, log onto www.edelweissbiketravel.com
CAGIVA COMEBACK?
The Cagiva/MV Group has received $25 million in financial aid from Banca Intesa to help re-start operations. The plan is to produce 24,000 motorcycles this year divided between three brands-Cagiva, Husqvarna and MV Agusta. Among the models slated for production: the MV Agusta Brutale, F4 SPR and F4 Ago; the Cagiva Raptor 125 and Raptor Xtra; and the long-awaited twin-cam four-stroke Husky off-roader. On the downside, the Cagiva factory, idle for months, was flooded by Lake Varese this past December. Also, Husqvarna engineer Ampelio Macchi quit, taking two members of his team, Max Cremonesi and Max Biffi, with him to Aprilia.
CO-OP MXER?
According to reports from Japan, Kawasaki and Suzuki are co-developing a new liquid-cooled, dohc, 250cc four-stroke motocrosser. Word is, Suzuki is charged with the engine, while both companies are working on the perimeter frame. Look for the bike to be introduced this fall.
BANK ON IT
Just how remarkably well is HarleyDavidson doing financially? Try 17 consecutive years of record earnings. Revenue from the fourth quarter of 2002 was a staggering $1.03 billion-yes, billion-an increase of 13.3 percent compared with the same period one year ago. If there’s any bad news, Harley’s stocktook a dip midJanuary, possibly due to plans not to up production in 2003.
BABY BOOMER CALL-OUT
Between the ages of 38 and 56? Then, it’s official: You’re a baby boomer. A new website, www.boomerbiker.com, is designed to meet your motorcycling needs, particularly if you’re new to the sport. Features include regular summaries of major motorcycling publications, interviews with industry executives, an online catalog, links to manufacturer sites, and a message board where boomers can exchange information and share their twowheeled experiences.
STOP THIS!
Canada, with the support of the U.S., is undertaking tests that may lead to the development of a global standard for evaluating the performance of a motorcycle’s brakes. Problem is, says the Federation of European Motorcyclists Association, the research may lead to mandated fitment of costly advanced braking systems, such as BMW’s electro-hydraulic Integral ABS. For the moment, North American testing focuses only on conventionally braked machines, whereas European standards also include bikes with antilock and combined braking systems.
