Etc.
etc.
BUELL EXPANDS
The Buell Motorcycle Company recently leased a 42,000-square-foot building adjacent to its East Troy, Wisconsin, manufacturing plant. The additional space will be used for research and development, and to help consolidate other facilities. "The new R&D center will greatly enhance Buell's ability to develop new models and expand the lineup into the future," said company President Jerry Wilke. Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson officiated the ribbon cutting on June 17, prior to his annual ride to Washington, D.C.
FUEL-INJECTED BLACKBIRD
Honda's CBR1 1 OOXX Super Black bird will be fuel-injected next year. As a result, output will increase to a claimed 168 horsepower at the crank, a 6-bhp bump over the current carbureted model. In addition, the Xx's Linked Brake System will be upgraded to the latest spec, like that of the VFR Inter ceptor. More cheerful color schemes and graphics are expected, too.
AMA MOTOVOTE '98
Protect your right to ride! The AMA has developed a new program, Moto Vote `98, designed to help clubs and motorcycle-rights activists become more involved in the election process. Free to club leaders, the campaign kit includes a 1998 election schedule and project checklist, state-by-state voter registration and primary election chart, suggested activities and ad slicks. For additional information, contact the AMA's government relations depart ment at 614/891-2425.
LICK THIS!
We know that not everyone attended the Isle of Man IT races this year. But don't fret: Manx-lovers everywhere can participate vicariously, thanks to the Isle of Man Post Office Authority. The 1998 IT Dreams Stamp Collection in cludes such famous likenesses as Mike "The Bike" Hailwood, "Yer Maun" Joey Dunlop and even The Purple Hel mets stunt-riding team. For approxi mately $15, IT fans can purchase the stamps along with a souvenir folder. Contact Janet Bridge for more details, at 011-44-1624-686127.
CAPTAIN AMERICA LIVES!
Academy Award nominee Peter Fonda has commissioned the California Motorcycle Company to market a new line of bikes inspired by the "Captain Amenca" and "Billy Bike" chop pers dden by Fonda and co star Dennis Hop per in the 1969 cult film classic, Easy Rider. Unlike the replica bui~ by Otis Chandler Museum curator Glenn Bator (inset), however, the bikes will use electric-start, Evo-style Big Twins and be EPA-legal. Built in limited num bers, the bikes will be cer~fied for au thenticity, and hand-signed by Fonda. For more information, contact CMC at 408/847-2221.
WARRANTY UPGRADE
Bikers Dream, the Riverside, Califor nia-based manufacturer of Americanmade heavyweight custom cruisers, has announced that fts Ultra-brand mo torcycles now come with a tour-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. "This new warranty is the best in the industry, and positions our company as a long-term competitor with a commitment to quali ty motorcycle production," said compa ny President and CEO Herm Rosenman. For more information, contact Bikers Dream at 800/927-4730.
INDIAN-REVIVAL REVIVAL?
This just in: The contract of Eller In dustries to purchase the assets of the combined receivership and bankruptcy estates of The Indian Motorcycle com panies was approved by the U.S. Dis trict Court for the District of Colorado. The company has also initiated a de velopmental program with Roush In dustries, of NASCAR fame. Although full funding and legal technicalities are pending, preliminary plans by noted designer James Parker have com menced. An Indian revival for real? We'll keep you posted.
