Around the Industry

April 1 1964
Around the Industry
April 1 1964

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

TRIUMPH CYCLE DRAWING

Miss Sharon Otis hands Don Brown the first winning ticket in Triumph's "TV Times" promotion in which two 1964 Triumph Bonnevilles were given away free. Miss Otis is an Adrian Teen model in Pasadena, California, and 1962 "Miss Junior Rose Bowl." Don Brown is Sales Manager for Johnson Motors, Inc., Triumph distributors in the west. The drawing was sponsored by the Greater Los Angeles Area Triumph Dealers Association in cooperation with Johnson Motors.

In the second photograph the winners pose with Wilbur Ceder, President of Johnson Mtrs. (center), and Triumph

dealers Dave Mason of Pasadena (left in rear), and Hazen Bair of Bellflower (right in rear). Winners were Winston Lewis of San Marino, Calif, (right front), and Edward Hutton of China Lake, Calif, (left front).

NEW SKAT-KITTY SCOOTER

Parked next to what looks like a suit case, but which is actually the case into which the scooter packs, is the diminutive Skat-Kitty motor scooter, now being introduced by Projects Unlimited Inc., 1926 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dept. CW, Dayton 14, Ohio. Unique in many respects, the scooter is the first to be placed on the market with a cast aluminum frame and fender assembly. Weighing only 65 pounds, a carrying capacity of 250 lbs. is claimed.

A 2 1/2 horsepower Lauson side-valve four-stroke engine provides power and drives the rear wheel through a chain. Handlebars collapse for easy storage, a muffler is standard and a lighting and electric horn kit are also available at slight extra cost. Mileage is claimed to be 100 miles-per-gallon, and a top speed of 25 mph can be reached.

Dimensions are 36 inches long, 20" high, and 14" wide; wheels are 4.10 x 3.50 x 4 and mount pneumatic tires. A tiny sidecar is also available. Prices are $189.95 equipped with 4-cycle ball-bearing engine, and $179.95 for a 2 1/2 hp two-cycle engine powered model. The side-car lists at $49.95, lighting kit is $15.95, electric horn kit is priced at $6.95.

LARGEST YAMAHA DEALER OPENS

Looking intent and lost in conversation are AI Gunter, astride the TD-1 road racer, and popular TV star Clint Walker. The 6' 6" star was presented with a pair of Yamaha 80cc YG-1 Trailmaster motorcycles while greeting a crowd of fans at the opening of Custom City in Compton, California, the nation's largest Yamaha dealer. "I'm very impressed," Walker commented as he toured the facilities, "this is probably the finest and most complete motorcycle center I have even seen. It is a real credit to the sport and the industry." We agree.

A motorcycle enthusiast since 1958, Clint has taken a motorcycle with him on three feature locations in Arizona and Utah, exploring the back country as only a man on a good cycle can see it. Recently his wife Verna and 13-year-old daughter Valerie joined in this hobby; weekends now find the whole Walker family blazing new desert trails. "And I'm sure we're going to have many miles and weekends of fun on these Trailmasters," Walker added at the presentation.

LAMBRETTA SLASHES PRICES ON '64 MODELS

The Lambretta division of Innocenti Corporation has passed a new year's greeting to its dealers by reducing prices of all Lambretta motor scooters for 1964. Suggested retail prices for all three well-known models have been lowered to $359.95 for the 125/LI, $399.95 for the 150/LI, and $469.50 for the 175/TV. Other good news for Lambretta dealers was the announcement that three new models will be imported for 1964. First to arrive will be the 150/LI Special, a sporty deluxe version of the 150/LI, followed by a 98cc to be sold for approximately $300.00, and a 200cc at the top of the line.

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A NORTON CLOWNS FOR CHILDREN

A 1964 Norton Atlas twin was exhibited at the Children's Exhibition in London. Children saw the world-famous clowns from the Bertram Mills Circus clowning around on the Norton. Over 10,000 children visited the exhibition. The photograph was airmailed for use in CYCLE WORLD through the courtesy of Associated Motor Cycles in London, for which we thank them.

MUSEUM OF SPEED STARTS SECOND DECADE

Daytona's Museum of Speed, home of some of the greatest speed vehicles the world has known, celebrates its tenth anniversary this month. Exhibits range from go-karts to guided missiles, with main space being devoted to the 2,500 bhp Bluebird, first car to break 300 mph and still the fastest ever to run on Daytona Beach.

Miss America VIII and Tempo VI, giant speedboats of Gar Wood and Guy Lombardo, share space with the Green Monster, world champion hot rod and the Harley-Davidson streamliner, fastest motorcycle to run at the beach. Record engines in the Museum run from a tiny straighteight Duesenberg to giant Packards, Allisons and space age rocket engines.

Conceived in the early fifties as a joint project by William R. Tuthill and Sherman Crise, the former bought the latter's interest in 1957. Since its opening ten years ago, the museum has added a trophy room and library and another expansion program is underway. Open daily, it is located on US Highway 1 at a point exactly opposite the North end of the famous measured mile where the land speed record was set more times than any other place in the world, a statement we have not tried to verify.

NEW MOBILIFT AVAILABLE

Berliner Motor Corp. . in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, offer their latest import, the Grazia hydraulic lift for motorcycles. Used all over the world, the Grazia Mobilift is ideal for mechanics. The steel platform is raised by depressing the foot pedal; by simply turning the release knob the same foot pedal lowers the X platform. Sturdily constructed, it is designed to accept motorcycles up to 780 pounds. After the machine is on the platform, the entire lift can be rolled to another location; depressing another pedal actuates a mechanism that raises the casters and sets the lift securely on the floor.

Dimensions are: 77 inches long; 26 1/2" wide; 7" minimum height; 33" maximum height; 260 pounds weight; 315 lbs. shipping weight. Complete details as to availability can be obtained by contacting BMC at Railroad Street and Plant Road, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, Dept. CW.

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ISLE OF MAN TOUR WITH BSA FORMS

Imperial Honda Sales, 4701 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego 15, Calif., has now made full plans for their elaborate tours to the Isle Of Man for the TT and to France for the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. Three tours are scheduled; the first to include a new 1964 BSA 650 Royal Star motorcycle, a tour of the BSA works and the Jaguar factory, then twenty days of free time wherever the tourist desires; price is based upon point of departure, i.e.; $1,199.00 from New York. Tour number two includes the same BSA, plus a week on the Isle Of Man for TT week, tours of England and Scotland, most meals and all special transportation, etc. Price from Chicago is $1,449.00. The third tour includes the same BSA, TT week, a trip to the Continent for a tour of Paris and the 24-hour sports car races at Le Mans, France.

Many special features of the tours are available, including mechanics to take care of the motorcycles, BSA factory crating and prepaid shipping of the machines back to either San Pedro, Calif, or New York, licensing and insurance taken care of, etc. A most important feature of the Imperial BSA Tour is the financing being made available with down payments as low as $250.00. A complete brochure of detail information can be obtained by writing to Imperial Honda. We suggest anyone desiring to take up this marvelous offer do so very soon, as the tours leave June 4th from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and San Diego.

NEW EQUIPMENT AT COSMOPOLITAN

Cosmopolitan Mtrs. Inc., U.S. Parilla Distributors, have recently completed the installation of a new dynamometer and a magnaflux machine in their headquarters. This equipment is to be available to their dealers and they feel that by increasing the caliber of their racing machines they will encourage the sport of motorcycle competition. They claim many new developments have already resulted from the use of the dyno and in May of 1964 a booklet on "Race Tuning A Parilla" will be published.

250 MONTESA INTRODUCED

Kim Kimball of Montesa Motors in Los Angeles, has announced the availability of the exciting new 250cc Montesa scrambler. Built in Spain, the single-cylinder, two-stroke weighs only 198 pounds soaking wet. Details include; 51.6 inch wheel base, bore/stroke 72.5mm x 60mm, actual displacement 247.69 cubic centimeters, compression ratio is 12; 1, a 27mm Amal carburetor is fitted, and tires and gearing are optional to suit any desire. We expect to be able to road test this new machine very shortly.

NEW MUSTANGS

Mustang Motor Products Corp. in Glendale, California, have announced a new addition to their line, one previously mentioned in CYCLE WORLD; the Mustang Delivercycle. Featuring a carrying capacity of 5.8 cubic feet, the Delivercycle has a maximum speed of 40-42 miles per hour, has 12.5 hp @ 3,600 rpm, gives 50 miles to the gallon, weighs 470 pounds, has a four-speed Burman gearbox and suspension on all three wheels.

Another feature of the Mustang line is the revised Mustang Trail Machine, now employing rear suspension as well as telescoping spring forks on the front. A rigid rear-end model is continued; it varies little from the new model except for its weight; 169 pounds vs 171; a wider frame and a few minor differences. Long a favorite of trail riding enthusiasts, the new trail machine should add considerable value to the Mustang line.

NEW MOTOBI SCOOTER

Available from Associated Products Co., 17 West 60th St., New York, N.Y., is the all new Motobi Family Scooter. Called the "Scooterette" in Italy, the Motobi scooter is a lightweight vehicle that is easy to handle, with dimensions designed to fit a boy as well as a man or woman. For this reason, Associated calls it "The Family Scooter."

Featuring specifications from both scooters and motorcycles, it mounts 16inch wheels, leading link front suspension, fan-cooled, two-cycle engine of 50cc displacement, swing arm rear suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers, passenger seat with foot pegs, and an automatic clutch.

The distributors claim a high degree of safety due to its 16-inch wheels and the location of the engine. It is available in red or blue and is priced at $359.00, F.O.B., New York.

TRIUMPH PERSONNEL CHANGES ANNOUNCED

The Triumph Corp. in Towson, Baltimore, has announced several changes in their personnel; Denis McCormack is retiring as General Manager after holding the position since 1950. Mr. McCormack will continue to take a lively interest in the affairs of the Triumph Corp. and in its policy formulations. He will be replaced by Mr. Earl J. Miller, the Corporation's Accountant and Secretary-Treasurer for the past 14 years. Mr. Edward J. Nemec who had been with the Sales Department for over four years is now appointed Motorcycle Sales Mgr.; Mr. Bill McDowell will continue as Sales Promotion Mgr.

Mr. Miller, one of the original employees of the firm, is well grounded with a wide knowledge of the motorcycle business. A Certified Public Accountant with experience in the automobile industry, he is equipped to guide Triumph along its prosperous course. His latest project has been the installation of an IBM system to better serve dealers and anticipated growth.

Ed Nemec, a young and keen motorcyclist, has been trained for his new job by Mr. McCormack. He competes in Eastern enduros and has many trophies to attest to his prowess. Announcements were made at a banquet which culminated an historic week of sales and service activity. Attended by 275 Triumph dealers, their mechanics and visitors from various suppliers. Wives enjoyed a tour of Washington while their husbands attended the meetings.

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The school opened under the usual smooth pattern of Triumph Service Mgr. Rod Coates, aided by Chief Mechanic Clifford Guild. Factory aid was represented by John Nelson, Svc. Mgr. of the Triumph factory, who said he enjoyed his annual "holiday" meeting the American dealers and trying to make his product more suitable for this market. Members

of the sales department with outside help gave talks on various phases of finance, salesmanship and other aspects of business. A fine talk was given by a typical, young and successful cycle dealer, Bob Myers of Washington, D.C. CKher dealers related their experiences with business and many profitable suggestions were offered by all. Lin Kuchler of the American Motorcycle Association gave a report on his organization and showed their movie, "Two Wheeled Wisdom."

Field Representative Tom Stevens reported on his recent trip to Europe and the factory, and Robert Herr, Triumph's Advertising Counsel displayed the new advertisements for the coming season. Bob Hicks of Cycle Sport magazine gave a talk followed by Ed Nemec who spoke on the value of the Triumph franchise. Bill McDowell told of various display ideas for 1964, and Mr. Joseph Rook, President of the Baltimore College of Commerce spoke on expanding business, a subject of real interest to dealers.

The above photo shows Lin Kuchler speaking to the assembled dealers; the other photos show the elaborate Triumph installation and personnel hard at work. Taking orders, of course!

The school closed with further discussion by representatives of Bell helmets, Lucas Electrical products and Smiths instruments. Further details on building competition machinery were given by Rod Coates and Clifford Guild, and the new A.M.A. rules were explained as well as plans for Daytona and other national events. The 13th annual Triumph salesservice school was a smashing success.

BICKERS TRIES PARILLA

Dave Bickers, England's phenomenal 1963 World Champion scrambler here gives the new Parilla 250cc Wildcat scrambler a workout and though the machine was designed for the American mar-

ket Parilla plans to bring a large quantity of them into England, Bickers commented that the machine had exceptional torque and power.

In the second photograph Parilla factory representatives and British officials of Parilla Imports Ltd., look on as Bickers examines the Parilla prior to roughing it up. •