Etc.
etc.
TAKE YOUR ORDER, SIR?
Ready to ante up for a Yamaha FJR1300, Cycle World’s Best Sport-Tourer of ’02? Offered in Galaxy Blue, the early release 2005 standard model ($11,699) and ABS version ($12,799) are again available only through Yamaha’s Priority Delivery Program, which requires a $500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit prior to April 30 of this year. Delivery is scheduled to begin in July.
DAYTONA DISPLAY
Out with the old and in with the, uh, old. Make that vintage. The latest exhibit at the AMA Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, is titled, “BSA’s Greatest Moment.” A celebration of the British marque’s 1954 five-place sweep of the Daytona 200, the display pays homage to hall-of-fame racers Bobby Hill, Dick Klamfoth, Tommy McDermott, Ken Eggers and AI Gunter, and their Gold Star Singles and Shooting Star Twins. Memorabilia and original photographs are also on display.
DIRT 101
Academia has finally embraced offroading, at least at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. The school’s Park and Recreational Resources program offers a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in parks and conservation. As a result, students will be able to minor in 0HV recreation. And yes, coursework includes riding opportunities!
TWO-STROKES FOREVER!
With the AMA having dropped the 250cc Grand Prix class from its professional class structure, AHRMA (www.ahrma.org) has expanded its Battle of Twins TwoStroke class to include modern machinery. The 25-round, 13-venue series got underway this past February, and concludes in October at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
FAST FACTS
How to get up to speed on the ins and outs of American roadracing? With Up2Speed, of course. Described as “Cliff Notes for racing,” the all-new, full-color publication offers up-to-date rider biographies, rules changes, track maps, autograph pages and more. For your copy, go to www.up2speed.info.
MOTO-CAREER CENTRAL
If you’re seeking motorcycle-related work, look no farther than www.motorsportsemployment.com. The website claims to be the premier global source for all motorcycle, marine, automotive, aviation and motorsports careers. Best of all, it’s free!
TAILPIPE TUNE-UP
Look for the increased use of fuelinjection and exhaust catalyzers as new, stricter federal streetbike emissions are phased in beginning in 2006, with a second tier coming in ’10. The forthcoming standards have already been adopted in California, where new motorcycles may emit no more than 1.4 grams per kilometer traveled of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (cut from 5 grams), and 12 grams per kilometer of carbon monoxide (unchanged). Bike-makers who build no more than 3000 machines per year or who have fewer than 500 employees are exempt from the first-tier requirements until 2008.
MEET ME AT MISANO...
What could be more exciting than time spent enjoying the sights and sounds of World Ducati Week at Italy’s Autódromo Santa Monica? Five more days on the island of Sicily taking part in the Ducati-sponsored Motogiro d’ltalia, that’s what. The two events will run back-to-back this year, with the fun beginning on May 17. For details, log on to www.ducati.com.
