Ups And Downs
UPS AND DOWNS
UP: To the Shell Oil Company, for including motorcyclists in its Shell Motorist Club. According to club Vice President Melvin Evans, “We believe motorcycle riders face many of the same troublesome road situations as drivers of other vehicles. Being an SMC member means you’re covered in all situations-as the driver of a car or van, or as an operator of a motorcycle.” For the $45 annual fee, members receive all club benefits, including towing and road service, accident coverage, ambulance service, maps and trip routing. For additional information, contact the Shell Motorist Club at 800/621-8663.
UP: To Yamaha, for its Vance & Hines Replica FZR600. The limitededition model features the same paint scheme as the championshipwinning V&H racebikes and is fitted with Dunlop Sportmax tires. The bike retails for $5999 and includes a $320 gift certificate for selected V&H accessories. Additional items, such as a matching seat cowl and Zero Gravity windscreens, are available through your local dealer. Yamaha informs us that production will be limited to 636 units.
DOWN: To Gerald Marotta, for taking California’s new helmet law too seriously. Despondent over the law, 48-year-old Marotta donned a helmet and then used a gun to kill himself. According to published reports, Marotta felt that taking his own life was the last freedom he had left. During the past few months, California motorcyclists have voiced their opinions against the controversial law, which took effect on the first of January. We’re all for protests against the loss of personal freedom, but we draw the line at martyrdom.
UP: To Honda, for donating the proceeds from the sale of the first production NR750 to charity. Dutch dealer Jan Smit broke the world record auction price for motorcycles with his winning bid of 110 million lira, approximately $91,950. Honda then pledged the entire sum to the United Nations Children’s Fund.
Smit, who owns one of Europe’s largest dealerships, plans to display the NR in his showroom.
According to Honda, only 700 of the oval-piston NR750s will be built.
UP: To California Motorcycle Rental Ftd., for its street motorcycle rental program, one of the few of its kind in the United States.
The San Francisco-based company caters to both domestic and international clientele and rents late-model BMW K75s and Honda Gold Wings on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Rates range from $140 to $2200, depending on the rental period. A two-day minimum is required and all rentals include insurance. Prospective customers must be at least 25 years of age and possess a valid motorcycle license. Contact CMR at 800/63RIDER. □
If you come across a motorcycle-related item that you think should be singled out for an UP or DOWN, send the information to CW Roundup, 1499 Monrovia Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92663.
