Ect.
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FUN READING
Even if you never plan to bomb your way through Northern Africa, the new book Chasing Dakar a Rider's Guide to Adventure Riding, Rally Preparation and Racing will help you become a better, more prepared rider. The book is written by KTM North America's official Dakar team physician Dr. Jonathan Edwards, who knows what it takes to help your body survive Dakar on a motorcycle. It doesn't hurt that off-road legend ScotHarden, himself a Dakar veteran, is a contributing writer. Get a $20 copy from www.chasingdakar.com.
BIMOTA RETRO
It weren't already tnck enough, Bimota's DB5 will next year feature "retro" paintwork, which, says company boss Roberto Comini, "captures the heritage of the Bimota brand." The real difference, though, is the use of upgraded components such as forged 0Z wheels and a titanium exhaust. Power still comes from a Ducati DS 1000 two-valve Twin, with the same 24-month, maintenance-inclusive warranty. The DB5R is likely to come stateside at a price similar to that of the standard model's $39,800 MSRP "We are also looking to include a higher-performance track-only exhaust system in the price," said Bimota USA boss Jean Marc Rousseau.
DIRT FLIES IN MILWAUKEE
Harley-Davidson broke ground this past June on its much-anticipated museum, which will be located on 20 acres near downtown Milwaukee. Of course, it did so in Harley style with dirt-track legend Scott Parker earth-moving with a Sportster! Future home to a variety of exhibits, the 130,000square-foot site will also feature a restaurant, retail shopping, meeting space, special-event facilities and The Motor Company’s archives. When it opens in 2008, the museum is expected to draw 350,000 visitors annually. Hey,
H-D, the Sporty was cool and everything, but shouldn't Parker have used a Shovelhead?
ANTARCTIC RECYCLING
What do you do with your evenings when you are spending the winter at McMurdo Station, the remote U.S. science outpost on the South Pole continent? Build a minibike, of course. In 24-hour darkness and 40-degrees-below-zero temperatures, bike enthusiast Dave Mattson (apparently also a Ducatista) got to work using only material destined for the recycling pile—the only legal source for parts because no equipment can be used for “personal” purposes. So a near-dead chainsaw motor and various bits of tubing were salvaged for frame and engine, while bodywork was made from snowmobile windscreens heated to shape. There are no brakes, but at least traffic is light...
