Etc.
etc.
DUCATI BUYS BIMOTA!
Just when it appeared no one was interested in keeping Bimota alive, not one but two bidders stepped up. Last year, when the “Alternativa Moto” team led by Giuseppe Della Pietra failed to honor its $2 million bid (losing a 10 percent downpayment in the process), the court decided anyone with $1.4 million could lay claim to the Bimota name. For 10 months, no one was interested. Then, with a November deadline looming (the owners of the leased building that housed the former factory wanted it cleared), Della Pietra showed up again-with a partner, Lorenzo Cavalieri Ducati, grandson of the late Bruno Ducati, one of the original founders of the company. This time, though, Alternativa Moto had to put down the entire $1.4 million. Which it did. But a small outfit from southern Italy did the same. To acquire Bimota, then, Alternativa Moto had to increase its bid to $2.35 million. That’s a lot for what little is left inside the building, but still a good price if it has a solid plan to refurbish the brand the way its tradition deserves.
WHEELIE FUN TIME
Perfecting the art of balancing a moving motorcycle on its rear wheel can take years of practice. Or a day, if you enroll in Keith Code’s new $495 wheelie school. Highlight, of course, is the “Wheelie Training Bike.” Its antiflip-over features-one zaps power, the other applies the rear brake-are intended to improve machine control and grow confidence, making lofting the front end second nature. Learn more at www.ononewheel.com.
"R" YOU WORTHY?
More 999? That’s what you get with the Ducati 999R. The limited-edition, 425-pound, road-legal racer makes a claimed 139 horsepower from its short-stroke, 999cc V-Twin (up from the standard 998cc model’s 124 bhp) and is equipped with a carbon-
fiber fairing, magnesium headlight support, radially mounted front brake calipers and five-spoke alloy wheels. Also part of the $29,995 package is a track-only, non-catalytic-converter exhaust system, uprated CPU, swingarm stand and bike cover. For more information, including a photo gallery and engine sounds (!), log on to www.ducatiusa.com.
OUTTA MY WAY!
The AMA is getting tough on careless, reckless or distracted drivers who inflict harm on motorcyclists.
Its “Motorcyclists Matter” safety campaign is geared to raise public awareness of vulnerable roadway users and increase penalties for those convicted of harming them. More information about “Protecting Your Right to Ride” is available from www.amadirectiink.com.
BARGAIN BEEMERS
Pssst... Hey, buddy, looking for a sweet deal on a used German flatTwin or inline-Four? Good news, you’re in luck. BMW’s new certified pre-owned motorcycle program makes ownership of a clean, wellkept Boxer or K-bike more affordable. For details, see your local dealer or go to www.bmwmotorcycles.com.
