Etc.

etc.

CRASH-BARRIER CONUNDRUM

Europe’s continued use of steel guard rails and wire-cable safety fences alongside highways remains a sore subject among motorcyclists. There have been protests, and Spanish magazine Solo Moto recently published a feature focusing on the potentially fatal dangers of non-flexible barriers. Stateside, however, there’s been little fallout. “I’d be reluctant to say that it’s not an issue with American riders," said the AMA’s Rob Rasor, “but it’s just not as prevalent.” Armco barriers are used extensively throughout the U.S.

ANTI-MONSTER MIDDLEWEIGHT

In an effort to steal sales from Ducati’s Monster 600 (which is headed stateside next year), Cagiva has developed a middleweight version of its Suzuki TL1000engined Raptor. Not quite as muscular-looking as its bigger brother, the Raptor 650 is powered by-you guessed it-Suzuki’s SV650 V-Twin. To reduce costs, both the 650 and 1000cc Raptors reportedly share many chassis components, including frames. Top speed is said to be around 130 mph, up a couple mph on the standard SV.

TWO-STROKE COMEBACK

Advanced Fuel Technologies is breathing new life into two-strokes. In independent testing, a Polaris 550 snowmobile equipped with an AFT carburetor and catalytic converter produced 80 percent less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons than the same engine with the stock components. The California-based company hopes to market a “low-cost aftermarket kit that can easily be installed on existing snowmobiles.” Dirtbike and personal watercraft applications are also in the works.

LAND OF THE FREE

Americans are opposed to the federal government’s plans to ban off-highway vehicles from public lands, reports the AMA. According to a poll conducted by USA Weekend magazine, 78 percent of respondees felt offroad vehicles should not be excluded from national parks. More than 76,000 people took part in the informal survey. In related news, the National Park Service may be forced to rethink its ban on snowmobiles in most national parks. “I believe it is critical for the agency to review a variety of options managing snowmobiles and to ensure a full opportunity for public comment,” declared South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbit responded, “Until new rulemaking is completed, the existing rule on snowmobile use in the national parks remains in effect.”

POSTER PUT-ON

A collection of 10 original motorcycle posters, some dating to the early 1900s, will go on the block Sunday, November 12th, in New York City as part of what is being billed as the world’s largest poster auction. Bids may be made in person, by phone, through the mail or online. More information is available at www.posterauction.com, or by calling 212/787-4000.

BENELLI JOINS RENAULT

Benelli is developing a new line of scooters for French automaker Renault. With BMW’s car-like C1 receiving positive reviews in Europe, Renault felt the urge to tackle the scooter market-and Benelli’s retractable-canopy prototype fills the bill. Benelli will handle all development work, including engineering and styling.