Etc.

etc.

M-G ADVENTURE HUNTER

Moto Guzzi has announced that its new Stelvio 1200 4V adventure bike will be available in U.S. dealerships this coming August. The bike is aptly named after the famed and much-photographed Stelvio Pass, which, at 9048 feet, is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps. The Stelvio is powered by the 1151cc Quattrovalvole engine, the latest version of Guzzi's venerable transverse, air-cooled, 90-degree V-Twin, with single overhead cams controlling four valves per cylinder. The engine is claimed to pump out 105 hp at 7500 rpm and 80 ft.-lb. of torque at 6400. Available colors will be red or black, with a projected MSRP of $14,990.

NO MORE OHIO-MADE HONDAS

American Honda announced that motorcycle production at its plant in Marysville, Ohio, will cease in 2009. That production, currently of all GL1 800 Gold Wing and VTX cruiser models, will move to a "newly expand ed and state-of-the-art factory in Kumamoto, Japan." At the same time, Kumamoto will also assume all pro duction now taking place in Honda's original plant in Hamamatsu. Honda says the timing has nothing to do with the current economic downturn. Those employed making motorcycles will be offered positions in Marysville's automanufacturing activities. No lay-offs are planned. These changes do not affect Honda's North American auto production, currently taking place in seven plants. Honda motorcycle pro duction in Marysville began in 1979 with the CR25OR motocrosser and has since produced 2.25 million motorcy cles and ATVs.

MORE THAN CONCOURS

In just its third year, the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours d'Elegance has become one of the events on the international classic-bike scene. Held on the 18th fairway at the Ritz-Carlton resort in picturesque Half Moon Bay, California, the invitation-only entry list includes 200-plus of the finest pre-1978 motorcycles in the country. Featured marques this May 3 are Norton and MV Agusta. Also on display: racebikes, concepts and customs; this year, Jesse James will unveil his latest, a sidecar outfit. If you’re inspired to buy, stick around for the Bonhams & Butterfields auction, featuring seat-maker Mike Corbin’s bike collection and some Von Dutch memorabilia, including the legendary pinstriper’s personal aluminum helmet, handengraved with the logo of every bike he ever owned and complete with rubber nipple on top, his commentary on mandatory helmet laws. Bring money; its pre-auction estimate is $20,000! For more info, go to www.legend ofthemotor cycle.com.