Etc.

etc.

MV AS ART

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center in Connecticut will feature an exhibition called “The Motorcycle, Italian Style: Riding the Curves with MV Agusta.” Beginning September 8 and running through January 6, the exhibition traces the MV Agusta brand from its World War II inception to today. More than 30 bikes, most from the classic era (1945-1980), will be on display (1956 Squalo pictured) throughout the Bendel Mansion Museum Galleries. It is the museum’s first motorcycle show. For more information, visit www.stamford museum.org.

HAYDENS BOOKED

For Hayden fans around the world comes a new book titled, The Haydens: Nicky, Tommy, & Roger from OWB to MotoGP. Written by RoadracerX editor and former Cycle News staffer Chris Jonnum, the book starts at the beginning in Owensboro, Kentucky, and takes readers to the present day. Said Tommy Hayden, “I am really proud of how the book turned out, and I hope that people enjoy learning more about our careers and how we grew up. It was fun for us to relive some good memories while we were looking through old photos and telling Chris some of our stories.” Lots of large, glossy images help illustrate their lives and careers in the $30, 191-page soft-cover tome. Get your copy at www.cycleworld.com.

BMW BUYS HUSKY

BMW acquired Husqvarna from the MV Agusta Group this past July for an undisclosed amount. The move will allow BMW to benefit from Husky’s experience and know-how In the off-road and supermoto segments, and enable the German company to further hone its line of new G650 Singles, which, no doubt, will greatly benefit its 450 Enduro racer project. Husqvarna will continue as an independent operation and remain in its present premises at Cassinetta di Biandronno near Varese, Italy. Cagiva USA will continue to import Husqvarnas. The Cagiva Group originally purchased Husky from Its Swedish owners in 1986.

HUSKYS GET INJECTED

Despite the recent BMW buyout (see above), it is business as usual at Husqvarna for 2008, with the company pushing the boundaries in the enduro, motocross and supermoto market segments.

The biggest news is the nowfuel-injected enduros: the TE250, TE450 and TE510. The 450 is said to produce 52 horsepower. But the real ace up Husqvarna’s sleeve is its new dohc 250cc engine, said to weigh just 45 pounds and make more than 40 hp.

APRILIA V-FOUR ON TRACK

A running prototype of Aprilia’s four-cylinder superbike has been undergoing extensive track testing in Italy but still is wearing Mille bodywork around its new frame. Expect a fully styled version to be shown this fall at the Milan Show, with U.S. production likely in late 2008.