Etc.

etc.

GREG McQUIDE, 1969-2000

It is with great sadness that we report the death of our friend and colleague Greg McQuide. The Motorcyclist magazine associate editor (more affectionately known as FNG) was killed in a tragic streetbike accident while attending the Honda Hoot in Asheville, North Carolina, in July. Just 30 years old, McQuide had been with the magazine for two years. He is already sorely missed.

APRILIA BUYS LAVERDA

Not so much as a squeak has been heard from Laverda lately, and for good reason: The Italian marque was slowly sinking into oblivion. Now, Aprilia’s Ivano Beggio, fresh from acquiring Moto Guzzi, has purchased Laverda. Essentially, he bought the company in name only, as the rest of the company’s assets would likely fit in a shoebox. This, in Beggio’s view, apparently includes the current threecylinder engine project.

HARLEY ON KING'S ROAD

Third-generation single-franchise motorcycle dealers are rare in London, rarer still in trendy Chelsea/Fulham. Thirtysomething John Warr, however, denies convention. Fie recently moved his family’s long-standing Flarley-

Davidson dealership to a stunning new $4.8 million facility on King’s Road, the English equivalent of Miami’s South Beach. Warr's has imported Motor Company products since 1924.

2001 HONDAS

Four of Flonda’s best-selling cruisers— the Shadow ACE 750 Deluxe, Shadow VLX, VLX Deluxe and Rebel-are back for 2001. The ACE 750 is the most changed, with its speedometer now located atop the gas tank. All three models are available in two or more new color choices. Prices remain the same.

HARLEY IN THE NEWS

• Harley-Davidson has ended efforts to trademark the “syncopated rumbling exhaust” note made by its air-cooled, 45-degree V-Twin engine. “More than six years have passed since we filed our application and there is still no end in sight,” explained H-D Marketing VP Joanne Bischmann. “Frankly, we’re tired of throwing tens of thousands of dollars out the window on litigation. If our customers know the sound cannot be imitated, that’s good enough for me and for Harley-Davidson.”

• The Motor Company has upgraded its popular Evo engine-remanufacturing program. Now, dealers can air-ship engines via Federal Express in specially designed containers. As a result, turnaround time is reduced, and shipments can be tracked more easily.

• Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals is in full swing. Currently available in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts and Nevada, the rapidly expanding program (more than 80 locations are expected by year’s end) allows licensed motorcyclists to rent various models from a network of independent agencies. Packages include the use of DOT-approved helmets, short-term luggage storage and 24hour emergency roadside assistance. For information and pricing, call 877/HDRENTALS, or go online at www.hdrentals.com.

• In related news, the Harley-owned Buell Motor Company has announced a voluntary recall on shock absorbers fitted to the 1999 and 2000 Cyclone M2, ’00 Lightning X-1 and ’00 Thunderbolt S3T. This is Buell’s second shock-related recall in as many years. Approximately 11,000 machines are affected.

WILLIE ON TWO WHEELS

England’s Prince William has passed his basic motorcycle test, which allows him to ride on public roads. Previously, the 17-year-old’s two-wheeled exploits were limited to the private roads surrounding the country estate of his father, Prince Charles. William passed his car test last year.