Etc.
ETC.
BMW PLUS APRILA EQUAL STREEI SINGLE?
Sources at BMW and Aprilia confirm that the two companies have been discussing a joint venture that would result in an all-new motorcycle built by BMW and powered by a 650cc, liquid-cooled, double overhead cam, five-valve Aprilia/Rotax single cylinder engine.
This new bike would be the first Single to be built by BMW since the 250cc R27, which went out of pro duction in 1966, and it would be the first chain-driven BMW ever. It would be built in two styles, and in two levels of tune. First would be an R65GS dual-purpose bike. This would be followed by a more tradi tional R65 pavement-only machine. Both would, be available in full 50horsepower form, or in a detuned, 27-horsepower version, the latter aimed at getting riders around stiff insurance premiums charged in Germany and other European coun tries for bikes with higher horse power ratings.
Joint marketing ventures are un derstood to be part of ongoing BMW/Aprilia discussions. If negoti ations are satisfactorily concluded, it seems likely that Aprilia's prod ucts could become available through BMW dealers in the U.S.
KAWASAKI MOVES TO VIDEO GAMES
Not getting enough riding time? Kawasaki may have the answer. The company recently announced a li censing agreement that will allow the marketing of a video game for users of Nintendo and Sega video game systems. The games will fea ture Kawasaki vehicles that can be operated by the game player in what the company calls a "rally concept."
The Kawasaki video games are expected to debut this fall, just in time for you to store your bike for the winter and move directly from yourgarage to your video screen.
HARLEY CRACKS DOWN
How to make a quick buck? Offer for sale something-anything-with the Harley-Davidson name and logo printed on it.
But now Harley-Davidson has struck back at unauthorized uses of its trademarks. The company re cently announced the seizure, dur ing Daytona Beach Bike Week festivities, of more than 150 pounds of merchandise from 11 vendors. All the merchandise, Harley's spokesmen said, infringed on the H-D trademark and logo.
The merchandise included cloth ing, belt buckles, stickers, clocks and drug paraphernalia.
"Trademark infringement is a very serious issue to Harley-David son. Vigorous enforcement of the use of our trademarks and logos demonstrates our concern for the welfare of Harley-Davidson riders and customers and our commit ment to the integrity of the Harley Davidson dealer network,"
explained Linda Drake, H-D legal council.
AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS
Fans of vintage motorcycles are going to want to mark July 25-26 on their calendars. That weekend, the American Motorcyclist Associa tion will host its annual Vintage Mo torcycle Days at the association's headquarters in Westerville, Ohio.
The highlight will be Sunday's giant motorcycle auction, which will feature more than 200 old and rare motorcycles. Other activities will in clude an outdoor motorcycle show, a vintage swap meet, an evening cruise-in, motorcycle demonstra tions and tours of the Motorcycle Heritage Museum.
Admission for the event is $6 per day or $10 for a weekend pass. AMA members can receive a dis count by showing their membership cards at the gate. For additional in formation, contact the AMA at 614/891-2425.
