Etc.

etc.

MZ’S MONSTER IN THE MAKING

German bike-maker MZ is reportedly developing a pneumatic-valve, 90-degree V-Four to power its entrée into MotoGP later this year. A dry-sump 990cc prototype is already undergoing testing, with hopes of producing 250 horsepower at 18,200 rpm. Maximum torque is said to be 89 foot-pounds at 9800 rpm. Look for a street-going version-with a conventional valvetrain-to go on sale in 2006.

THREE-VALVE DUCK?

Ducati is working on a new three-valve cylinder head. Said to be about as compact as the current two-valve head, it’s expected to produce power close to that of the company’s first four-valvers. Engines using the desmodromic design will come in 620, 800 and 1000cc displacements. Might the forthcoming Multistrada be the first recipient of this new head?

NO PATIENCE NEEDED

Want the latest, greatest Harley, minus the wait? New Harley Now (iwww.newharleynow.com) works with dealers to find the exact models and color preferences requested by customers. “We try to locate the best deals as close as possible to the customer’s home,” says founder Paul Ellis. “We also have a relationship with a transport company, in case it’s a little farther than the customer wants to travel to pick up his new bike.” Cost for the service is $99.

GREEN TO GO

Following the success of its KLX110 beginner bike, Kawasaki has unveiled two more entry-level four-strokes, the off-road-only KLX125 and KLX125L. Should have seen ’em coming, really. After all, Kawasaki’s alliance with Suzuki meant the air-cooled Single that powers the DR-Z125 and DR-Z125L was readily available-cheap! As is the case with the Suzooks, the quarter-liter KLXs are kick-start-only, and utilize five-speed transmissions. Larger of the two, the L-model rolls on 19/16-inch wheels-versus the standard model’s 17/14-inch hoops-and has a disc front brake and 32-inch seat height. So, what’s next, RM250-engined KXs? Hey, don’t laugh...

LAST RIDE

It’s a fact of life: We’re all gonna go sometime. Just how you go, however, is up to you. With its Harley-engined trikes and 19th-century carriage-style hearses, Tombstone Hearse wants to make your last ride a memorable one-at least for your loved ones. To reserve transport to your final resting spot, contact the Pennsylvania-based outfit at 877/834-4180, or log on to www. tombstonehearse. com.

BURDEN OF PROOF?

Legislation currently under consideration in California would allow motorcyclists 21 years of age or older to ride without helmets if they have $1 million in medical-insurance coverage. Placing economic conditions in legislation in exchange for a voluntary helmet-use law is a bad idea, says the AMA. “Some lawmakers still subscribe to the ‘social burden’ fallacy that motorcyclists use more taxpayer dollars than other members of society to pay their medical bills,” said Edward Moreland, AMA vice president of government relations. “And some citizens appear willing to agree to expensive and dangerous economic trade-offs. That volatile combination could open the door for lawmakers to impose even more expensive, unfair and unwarranted requirements on motorcyclists.”