Etc.

ETC.

MORE ON MORBIDELLI

The latest word from Italy is that the long-awaited Morbidelli 850cc V-Eight, dubbed the 850S, will debut this summer.

Details about the bike are emerging as that date draws near. The fuel-injected engine is expected to be just 16.3 inches long, 17.5 inches wide and 17.1 inches high, and weigh less than 150 pounds. Power is restricted to 100 horsepower, but new cams and a computer chip are said to add 30 horsepower.

Front-line chassis components will handle the power, with a GCBdesigned 42mm inverted fork and right-side-mounted rear shock. Morbidelli will use a single-sided swingarm of its own design. Brembo brakes will be fitted at both ends, with two 12.5-inch discs at the front and a 10.2-inch rear disc.

Europeans will have to load up the loot for this one. The 850S, not expected to reach the U.S., will cost the equivalent of around $70,000.

MOTO GUZZI BUILDING A BIG DAYTONA

A 1100cc version of Moto Guzzi’s top-of-the-line Daytona will debut at October’s Cologne Show. That bike is said to outperform the company’s new 1100 Sport, which is faster and less-expensive than the current lOOOcc Daytona. The bike will feature a new WeberMarelli fuel-injection system and WP rear suspension.

NORTON TRIES. SELLING HISTORY

Norton Motors as told several museums in England that it wants its vintage motorcycles back in order to sell them. Ten classic Nortons are on display in three muse ums, but museum directors are refusing to surrender the bikes until Norton proves it legally owns them. Included in the collection are a 1906 Matchless and an 1896 Ariel tricycle.