Etc.
ETC.
LAVERDAS FOR CALIFORNIA?
Work is underway on Laverda’s next-generation parallel-Twin engine-a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, dohc 750 that will debut at the Cologne Show in September.
The new engine, which mates a new top end with the existing air/oil-cooled 650/668 crankcases, will likely first appear in a modern update of Laverda’s famous mid’70s SFC750 cafe-racer, with traditional orange livery on modern, 668-style bodywork.
The addition of liquid cooling should allow the bike to meet noise regulations in critical markets such as California and Switzerland. It already meets emissions standards, thanks to its Weber/Marelli fuelinjection system.
TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE LAUDED
The editors of Popular Science magazine recently honored the Triumph Speed Triple by including it in their eighth-annual “Best of What’s New” awards. The editors spared no clichés as they applauded the Speed Triple’s 12-valve powerplant, saying that it “pulls like a locomotive,” and delighting in the classic “wind-inthe-face joy” that riding an unfaired motorcycle brings.
MUNCH MAMMUT MASTERPIECE
Munch Mammuts are massive and exotic two-wheeled beasts hand-built in limited numbers by a dedicated craftsman named Friedel Munch. The builder is, in the wake of a stroke, no longer producing his quirky, powerful motorcycles. But, finally, you can read about the man and his bikes in The Legend of Friedel Munch. The 176-page, hardcover book by author Winni Scheibe includes fine photos and detailed text in English. Price is $78 from American Munch enthusiast Paul Watts at 209/431-4633.
NEW LIFE FOR OLD RACEBIKES
Those looking for a way to go racing on the cheap recently had their wishes fulfilled with the announcement of two affordable new series that bridge the gap between vintage and modern racing.
• Roadracers will be interested in Formula RD, a “spec” class using lightly modified 1973-79 Yamaha RD350s and 400s, with a $2500 claiming rule. Brainchild of Cycle World Executive Editor Brian Catterson and his former co-workers at American Roadracing, the inaugural F-RD race was held at the Streets of Willow Springs last November. For 1996, the Western/ Eastern Roadracing Association (WERA) is taking the series nationwide, with three regional qualifying rounds earning riders starting berths in the season-ending Grand National Finals at Road Atlanta.
The RDs will also have their own class at WERA club races, provided there are five or more entries; otherwise, they’ll run with the Clubman class. Event information can be had from WERA at 770/924-8404; rules information from the Association of Classic Two-Stroke Owners (ACT-SO) at 509/453-1976.
• Motocrossers with old steeds can get the cobwebs out in the Vintage Iron Evolution Series put on by Vintage Iron shop owner Rick Doughty and Cycle World contributing photographer David Dewhurst. Series principals call the nationwide program “down to earth” for good reason-it’s only open to machines that are best kept close to terra firma while sailing over jumps. Rules call for aircooled engines, non-linkage rear suspensions (though single shocks are okay) and drum brakes; classes will include 125, 250 and 500cc divisions for Sportsman and Master riders. For more information, contact Vintage Iron at 209/252-9053.
