Etc.
ETC.
DUCATI’S BOOM CONTINUES
Ducati is having the sort of trouble other manufacturers wish they had: It is unable to match the demand for its machines. The company’s Bologna, Italy, factory is scheduled to build 14,800 machines in 1993. Of that number, 3000 will be M900 “Monstros,” increased from an initial schedule of 1000 because of interest in the VTwin musclebike. Since the M900 uses the same engine as the 900SS, it is possible the number of ’93 900SS models will be correspondingly reduced. Ducati says it will kick off production of its new 916 Superbike in September, though it’s not saying how many it plans to build. Expect this bike to exist sideby-side with the 888 line in the Ducati lineup-at least for a while.
KUSHITANI REORGANIZING U.S. EFFORTS
Kushitani, the well-known Japanese manufacturer of motorcycle riding apparel, is reorganizing its efforts in the United States. Kushitani’s U.S. sales were officially suspended in June of last year, and the remaining stock was moved to a private warehouse near San Francisco. A Kushitani representative in Japan said the company is exploring future distribution opportunities in the U.S., but as of presstime, had not finalized its plans.
THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE...
Roadracer Scott Russell was named “MotoWorld” Athlete of the Year at the AMA’s annual awards banquet, held in late November in Long Beach, California, and emceed by ESPN broadcasters Dave Despain and Larry Maiers. In addition to this honor, Russell also received number-one plates for his Superbike and 750cc Supersport championships, earned aboard Muzzy Kawasakis.
BACK TO SCHOOL
If you’re one of those riders for whom life’s a drag, take note: There’s a new school dedicated to your form of motorcycle sport. It’s called Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, and it’s being offered in Gainesville, Florida. The two-day class, taught by George Bryce of Star Racing, is open to anyone. The $1500 tuition covers not only the instruction, but use of one of the school’s Suzuki GSX-R1100-based Pro-Stock dragbikes. A limit of four students per class guarantees plenty of track time. For additional information, contact Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, P0. Box 140369, Gainesville, FL 32614; 904/373-7223.
AMA GROWTH CONTINUES
Officials at the American Motorcyclist Association say the organization now numbers more than 199,000 members, and that they’re striving hard to reach the magic, 200,000-member level. The AMA has grown by nearly 50 percent in the last 10 years, and its membership count is up by about 9000 in the last 12 months. For membership information, telephone 800/AMA-JOIN.
AN OLD FAVORITE RETURNS
One of our favorite books, and one of the most valuable resources around, is back in print. It’s the Encyclopedia of Motorcycles, originally edited in at least two previous editions by Erwin Tragatsch. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated by Brian Wooley, a noted British motorcycle historian. The book covers models from more than 30 nations built from 1894 to the present, and it includes 30 pages of color portraits of classic machines. The encyclopedia, priced at $29.95, is available from Whitehorse Press, 154 W. Brookline Street, Boston, MA, 02118; 617/241-5241.
