Etc.

etc.

INTERNET ENTERPRISE

Really, who would have thought that the whole Internet thing would actually catch on? Kawasaki and Ducati, for two. Both manufacturers now have e-commerce sites. The first of the Japanese bike-makers to experiment with such on-line vending, Kawasaki will sell its accessories, apparel and replacement parts via www.buykawasaki.com. Similarly, Ducati’s revamped www.ducati.com allows for customers to purchase specialty models, apparel and parts online. So, in addition to accessing the two companies’ chat rooms, race results and news bulletins, buying accessories has never been so easy.

TOYOTA BUYS INTO YAMAHA

In an effort to accelerate engine development for its forthcoming foray into Formula One, automotive-giant Toyota purchased a 5 percent stake in Yamaha. Explained Toyota President Fujio Cho, “Yamaha is a company with strong technical prowess, with experience in F-1 and marine products. We believe this tie-up will become one of the foundation stones that will help us win out over our competitors.” Yamaha first teamed with Toyota on the 1966 2000 GT sports car, and currently supplies the automaker with engines for its turbocharged, 2-liter Altezza.

PAY-PER-VIEW SX

Can’t swing tickets to the final AMA Supercross at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium? No problemo. LIVE on iNDEMAND pay-per-view will broadcast the race via satellite. To bring series point-leader Jeremy McGrath and crew into your living room, contact your local cable company.

LICENSING LIMITS

Following Japan’s lead, the European Union is considering tiered motorcycle licensing. Intended to keep novices off big-bore sportbikes, the plan would also no longer allow car license-holders to pilot scooters. In related news, Italy intends to re-introduce motorcycle road-worthiness inspections. Biker rights organization Coordinatmento Motociclisti opposes the proposal, citing a lack of accident-related evidence and exorbitant repair costs.

GOODBYE “UKE”

Longtime Harley-Davidson dealer Frank “Uke” Ulicki Sr. died last January at age 92. The Wisconsin native founded Kenosha Harley-Davidson in 1930, and is credited with conceptualizing Class C racing. According to the Kenosha News, Ulicki abhorred automobiles, and never learned to drive. When a fire destroyed his shop in 1960, he moved what was left of the dealership to its new location on his Harley. “He was an incredible person,” said son Keith. “He was my hero.”

FOREST FOUL-UP

New guidelines for special-use permits could spell the end for off-road events run on National Forest Land, reports the AMA. Under the Forest Service’s proposed plan, each district would have its own officer to estimate the time required to process an application, and decide how much monitoring would be necessary. Said the AMA’s Rob Rasor, “With the discretion solely in the hands of one person, and with no opportunity to appeal that person’s decision, motorcycle events on forest land could be priced out of existence.”

MAINTENANCE MADE EASY

Tracking bike upkeep just got easier. Windows 98-based “For Two Wheels Only” not only charts scheduled maintenance and costs, but logs accessories purchased, trips taken and events attended. Users may also record and analyze fuel consumption, tire wear, and insurance and loan data. For a copy of the software, contact FTWO at 847/854-5214, or visit its website at www.ftwo.com.