Etc.
ETC.
NORTON NEWS CONTINUES
The Norton saga continues, with the Aquilini family, which controls the money behind the company, ousting Nelson Skalbania and daughter Rozanda as company managers.
The Aquilinis were dissatisfied with the Skalbanias’ efforts, according to Matthew Markin, one of two Canadian brothers who are now managing Norton. Markin says Norton has money to build 100 more rotary bikes. From there, he says Norton will make piston-engine motorcycles.
In the meantime, Markin has eliminated Skalbania’s plans to raise money by launching Norton as a publicly held American company. Markin also says he has scrapped a deal Skalbania made with Seattle, Washington, businessman Pakie Plastino, to let him build Nortons in the U.S. and distribute them in North America.
Plastino says he maintains the legal right to build Nortons and will display a prototype early next year. Both men say they are willing to resolve the matter in court.
BIKE DATA AVAILABLE
Need info about a motorcycle? Motorcycle Memories can help. The firm, which says it has more than 9000 books and magazines, will provide a free search of its material. Contact Motorcycle Memories, 6784 Camp John Rd., Millington, TN 38053; 901/876-6883.
R1100GS RECALL
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a recall of 1994 BMW R110OGSs. According to the DOT, the right-hand bearing pin in the swingarm and the lower flange nut on the front strut can both loosen when the motorcycle is ridden aggressively off-road. BMW dealers will apply a stronger adhesive to the bearing pin and replace the flange nut with one that is self-tightening.
RIDE SOUTHEAST ASIA
Organized rides through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are in the works for 1995. Noah Mandell, who has led tours through China for 11 years, is arranging the trips.
Tour dates are not yet scheduled and costs will vary, depending on whether people rent motorcycles or ride their own. For more information, contact Mandell, Suite 888 C.S. 2032, 427-3 Amherst St., Nashua, NH 03061: 603/883-0037.
FOR THE RECORD
In September’s Roundup we incorrectly reported that Dale Quarterly had been fined and suspended by the AMA for endangering a corner worker at the Laguna Seca Superbike race. Although the race referee recommended a suspension and a fine was considered because Quarterley rode too close to an AMA official, no penalties were levied.
In an October Roundup article, we said Harley-Davidson would build 200 of its 30th Anniversary Ultra Classic Electra Glides. H-D will make 2000 of the fuel-injected tourers.
More October gaffs; In “The Path of the Hurricane” about Triumph’s 1973 X-75, we claimed that the Hurricanes seen in the lead photos, owned by Bob and Michael Doom, were “all-original unrestored” models. Not quite. Bob’s bike is close, but has aftermarket fuel lines and sparkplug leads. Michael’s has a nickel-plated frame, as well as other, more minor inaccuracies.
In our road test of the Vee Two Alchemy SV-1, California’s Pro Italia Motors was listed as the U.S. importer. We should also have listed Personal Cycle Service in Florida, where East Coast riders can get Alchemy frame kits and the complete line of Vee Two hop-up parts for Ducatis. For more info, contact the shop at 594 Ballough Fid., Daytona Beach, FL 32114; 800/435-7039.
