Ups & Downs

UPS & Downs

ROUNDUP

DOWN: To Death, for taking one of the great names in Italian motorcycling, Massimo Laverda. Son of founder

Francesco Laverda, it was Massimo who in the Seventies led the company's charge into the big-bore market segment, putting the Breganze-based bike-builder on the map with the 750SF and the 140-mph Jota 1000cc Triple. Laverda died last October of heart failure at age 66.

UP: To ExxonMobil, for setting a good example. The world’s largest company prohibits the use of cell phones-hand-held and handsfree-by employees and contractors while operating a motor vehicle on the job, even if the vehicle is privately owned. “Safety is core at ExxonMobil,” explains the policy. “Recent studies on the risks associated with the use of cell phones while driving point clearly to a significant impact on driving performance. The braking delay, for example, was found to be three times longer for cell-phone users than the reaction time found in drivers under the influence of alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, studies indicate that the use of ‘hands-free’ cell phones makes little difference on the risk.”

UP: To Ryan Capes, for, well, going so up and so far. The 23year-old broke the overall jump distance world record on a lightly modified Honda CR250R {stiff suspension and a ported engine), hurling himself 310 feet, 4 inches at Pacific Raceway in Auburn, Washington, late last year. Capes hit the launch ramp pinned in fifth gear and actually exceeded his expected 280-foot jump distance.