Etc.
etc.
ITALO FILE
The S2R 1000 isn’t the only new bike coming from Ducati in 2006. The $14,495 ST3S ABS, now the company’s top sport-touring bike, combines the liquid-cooled threevalve-per-cylinder desmo Twin with the Öhlins suspension and ABS brakes of the discontinued-in-the-U.S. ST4S ABS. The standard ST3 runs $2K less. On the Monster front, an S4RS using the deep-sump 130-hp Testastretta 999S superbike engine is being readied for release next year as a 2007 model. As Ducati’s the top-of-the-line naked bike, it gets Öhlins suspension and radial-mount Brembo brakes. The superbike range is largely unchanged, although the $30K 999R will be available in Team Xerox racing colors.
IT’S SHOWTIME!
That’s right, the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show is coming to a city near you. It’s the perfect chance to see all the latest models from major manufacturers, plus a plethora of aftermarket products, vintage machines, gear and more, all under one roof. Additionally, Arenacross Championship Series events will be held in conjunction with the show at select venues on the 13-stop tour. For more information, visit WWW. cycleworld.com.
CRUISE NEWS
Big, fast sportbikes aren’t the only news at Kawasaki, as several new cruisers also grace the 2006 lineup. The new Vulcan 900 Classic fattens the middleweight line both in terms of increased displacement and a bigger 180mm-wide rear tire, while its all-new liquid-cooled V-Twin takes styling and cylinder-head design cues from the hulkin’ Vulcan 2000. Both the $13,499 2000 and $7,299 900 get more expensive light-touring stablemates dubbed “LT,” which are basically standard models fitted with leather saddlebags and a windscreen.
RENT IS DUE
Planning a motorcycle vacation just got easier thanks to Orbitz. The online travel company recently added Harley-Davidson rentals to its list of services though a partnership with EagleRider. “With millions of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts worldwide, this is a great addition to our travel offerings,” said Alan Josephs, VP of packaging at Orbitz (www.orbitz.com). “Whether touring the West Coast on Hwy. 1 or cruising down the Las Vegas Strip in style, Orbitz customers can experience the sport that Harley-Davidson riders have been passionate about for decades.”
