Etc.
etc.
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
BMW’s oldest U.S. retailer, AMOL Motorcycles in Dumont, New Jersey, is no longer affiliated with the German marque. AMOL was founded in 1950 by Alfred Matzner and Oscar Liebmann, and its employees have included Udo Gietl, who built the Butler & Smith R90S that won the inaugural AMA Superbike Championship in 1976. “It was a difficult decision to part company with a brand my father and I have been linked with for so many years,” said Richard Leibmann. “If another generation were here to succeed me in the business, or if we were located in a higher-traffic area, my decision may have been different.” Added Ed Robinson, BMW motorcycle VR “We would like to commend Richard for carrying the BMW flag for 50 years. His retirement from the BMW brand marks the end of an era for many customers who knew and trusted AM0L to deliver personal attention with a neighborly style of sales and service.”
VDUE REDO
Bimota is taking a second crack at the buzz-bomb 500 Vdue. At the factory in Rimini, Italy, a modified version of the bike is in the early stages of testing. The directinjected, two-stroke V-Twin is said to produce 110 horsepower—reliably. What’s more, Bimota’s new chief, Francesco Tognon, appears optimistic about the bike’s future. Further testing is planned.
DISCOUNT INSURANCE
If you live in Maryland and need motorcycle insurance, Maryland Cycle Direct offers customized policies and an innovative discount program. A subsidiary of Interstate Auto Insurance, the biker-run company boasts no agents and no agent commissions. Hence, its low rates. Give ’em a call at 888/424-2690, or visit them online at www.mdcycledirect.com.
CUT OF AFRICA
The good folks at Edelweiss Bike Travel are jetting to Africa for back-to-back two-week tours. The first, booked for August 1, will begin in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and end in Arusha, Tanzania; the second embarks August 15 and will reverse the same 3000-mile route. Travel is limited to mostly paved roads. For more information, contact Edelweiss at 800/582-2263.
TOP OF THE WORLD TOUR
How’s this for a high? Travelcraft is leading a tour across the Himalayas on singlecylinder Enfield Bullets. Planned for August 1 -13, the trip will cover both paved and unpaved passes, with elevation exceeding—get this—18,000 feet. A support crew will manage camp setup, cooking chores and bike maintenance. Cost is $3431, plus airfare. For more information, contact Travelcraft at 800/241 -1223.
FAST FREDDIE SLOWS DOWN
Three-time World Champion Freddie Spencer is expanding his Las Vegas Motor Speedway-based High Performance Riding School to include a cruiser curriculum. Using Honda Magnas and Shadows, the two-day street/track program will address throttle control, cornering techniques, braking and weight transfer, among other things. For a class schedule, contact the school at 702/643-1099.
RALLY ’ROUND THE ROCKIES
Be kind to your vintage bike, take it on a Rocky Mountain getaway. That’s the idea behind the Colorado Vintage Motorcycle Tour, a five-day, 800-mile rally open to pre-1980 motorcycles scheduled for September 6-11. Organizers promise five-star hotels, great food, spectacular scenery and lots of oil-stained, waxedcotton camaraderie. Entry fee is $1450. Tour slots are limited; to enter or for more information, call 970/482-0925 or log on to darmahman@aol.com.
SEARCH ENGINE
Cagiva is seeking an alternative powerplant for its popular Gran Canyon dual-purpose bike. According to the European rumor mill, the Gran Canyon’s steel frame will handle more power than is currently provided by Ducati’s fuel-injected 900cc V-Twin. More importantly, Ducati has no interest in supplying its former partner with additional engines. Recently, a Suzuki TL1000-powered Gran Canyon was allegedly spotted around Lake Varese and in the nearby Italian Alps. Cagiva denies that such a prototype exists, and says it isn’t negotiating with Suzuki.
