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NORTON GATHERING
The International Norton Owners Association will hold its 20th anniversary rally July 19-23 in Reading Center, New York, approximately 150 miles southeast of Buffalo. For information, contact Jim Noll, 58 Merwin Ave., Rochester, NY 14609, or call 716/589-9053.
RENT A RIDE
Motorcycle rentals are now available throughout the country from Cruise America. The company offers Honda’s Gold Wing Interstate, Shadow American Classic Edition, Magna and Nighthawk 750. Prices from $55-$105 per day, depending on the machine and time of year. Those prices include 100 free miles per day, with a 21-cent charge for each additional mile. Riders must be 25 or older, have a motorcycle license and show proof of bike safety training. A three-day minimum rental period is required. For more information, call 800/783-3768.
MOTORCYCLE LEGEND FLOYD EMDE DIES
Floyd Emde, who made his name in roadracing and dirt-track competition in the late 1940s, died December 24,1994, at the age of 75.
Emde’s racing success included wins at the 1947 Milwaukee 10mile National, and the Pacific Coast Championship. Emde and his wife, Florence, opened a motorcycle dealership in San Diego, California, that year and operated the business for some 30 years. The following year, Emde won the Daytona 200.
MZ SHRINKS WORKFORCE
MZ has slashed its staff, layingoff 60 of its 225 employees. The move came in response to multimillion dollar losses in 1994. MZ says its outdated image and the delayed launch of its Yamaha-powered Skorpion are to blame for the financial woes.
RALLY ON ROUTE 66
The Mother Road Ride/Rally, to be held June 10-18, offers riders the chance to cruise down Route 66, the fabled road that first connected the Midwest and Southern California. Entrants can start in Chicago, at 66’s eastern origin, or in Los Angeles, its western terminus. Registration, which includes a T-shirt, coffee mug, route/mileage data and historical information about the sights along the route, is $80. For more information, contact People Centered Programs, RO. Box 610171, Dallas, TX 75261; 817/488-4940.
GUZZI GAINS STRENGTH
Moto Guzzi appears to be turning the corner in terms of production and quality control. Increased funding is available, say sources, and Guzzi will follow Aprilia's lead by converting to an “assembly-only” plant, where parts made by outside contractors are put together.
With Guzzi’s improved financial situation and the new production plan, the company will more than double its output in the next three years, says Guido Ranalli, Guzzi’s marketing chief. In 1994, 4000 bikes were produced. This year’s goal is 5700 bikes, with 6400 in 1996, and 9000 in 1997.
This year, Guzzi expects to build 1300 examples of its 1100 Sport, which was launched in 1993. Only a handful of Sports were made before Finprogetti, the company’s new mangement firm, stopped production to focus on quality control.
TRICK DUCATI ON THE WAY?
A 900SS at Cagiva’s Research Center is reportedly being fitted with double wishbone front suspension. Pierre Terblanche, a stylist at CRC who designed the Supermono, is said to be directing the work. Cagiva denies that it will use the alternative front end on future models.
