Etc.

etc.

SPORTCLASSIC SPEEDS UP

Ducati has announced that two of its three SportClassic models-the Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition and Sport 1000-will begin production in September, several months earlier than originally expected. The final member of the trio-the GT 1000-is expected to be launched next spring.

SHRED & BREAKFAST

Fancy a weekend getaway that's not too fancy, and surrounded by great motorcycling roads, too? Then pay a visa to Rider's Rest Bed & Breakfast in Lexington, Virginia. Established by expat Brits Bernard and Susan Shaw, the biker-friendly B&B is situated in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Appalachians to the west. The four rooms range in price from $80-i 45 per night, and garage parking is available. To book your stay, call 540/463-9125 or visit www.ridersrestbandb.com.

SURVEY SAYS...

Progressive Insurance recently completed an online survey to determine how cruiser and sportbike riders compared in their two-wheeling ways. Some of the responses were a little tongue-incheek, or even food-in-mouth. How so? Harley riders were found more likely to plan rides around where they'll eat (32 percent versus 23), as well as being four times more likely to choose a restaurant with "the nicest-looking" employees. Why ask questions such as these? "You never know what bit of Infor mation may lead to the next insur ance innovation," said Marcy Gray, motorcycle product manager.

TRIUMPH CHA-CHINGS!

Aside from use by weightlifters in the World's Strongest Man competition, four-cylinder Triumphs such as the Speed Four weren't big movers. Which is why all recently released models have one thing common: they are Triples or Twins. With worldwide sales up 25 percent over the last two years, "distinctively designed machines with lots of character" are the core of the British bike-maker's business plan, said company CEO Tue Mantoni. "We have worked hard to define Triumph's identity and the success of our latest models is evidence that the consumers like what we have done," he added.

BMW SINGLE AGAIN

Humors ot a new street-going Single were recently confirmed by BMW. In an interview with a German news paper, BMW Motorrad Director Dr. Herbert Diess said Aprilia will manufacture and help develop the bike for its late-2006 introduction. No word on displacement, but target weight is 330 pounds. As for the 800cc parallel-Twin (Roundup, June), first comes an 80-horsepower half faired sportbike (due in January), then a 60-hp tourer and naked bike, target price less than $1 OK.

POLARIS WEDS KTM

Victory parent company and snowmo bile, watercraft and AN giant Polaris has purchased a 24 percent interest in Austria-based KTM, aim being improved distribution for both makes in the U~S. and abroad, and to accel erate KTM's entry into the ATV seg ment. The $80 million deal will see one executive from each company named to the other's board of direct ors, and allows for the initial partner ship to be assessed after two years.