Etc
etc
TRUMPED-UP TIGER
Not wanting to fall behind in the everexpanding adventure-touring category, Triumph has updated its three-cylinder Tiger. Quicker steering geometry and revised suspension settings provide a more responsive, controlled ride, while cast wheels enable a greater range of tubeless tires. Furthermore, the frame is now painted silver, and the bodywork features updated graphics. Hard luggage is standard. Price remains $10,500.
MUSEUMS TO MERGE
A single institution is the idea behind the recently announced merger between The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, and the National Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, located in Anamosa, Iowa. Automatic enshrinement of all past inductees is assured, along with a single identity and development of a common nomination and selection process for future inductees.
BIG APPLE BIKES
Motorcycles are making it in New York, New York-again. After a year’s hiatus, bikes are back at Rockefeller Plaza in downtown Manhattan. Organized by Discover Today’s Motorcycling, the show will feature 50 machines from the 1960s to present, including customs and concept bikes. Admission is free, but you better hurry, the display opens May 19 and closes June 6.
YOUR KEYS, PLEASE
Is there any limit to the number of uses for scooters? For a nominal fee, a new company called Home James (www.homejamesusa.com) will send a uniformed driver on a scooter to drive home inebriated party animals in Los Angeles. Look for the service in other areas soon.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
The San Francisco Motorcycle Club, the nation’s second-oldest bike club, is celebrating its 100th birthday with a four-day blast, June 17-20. A bike show with contemporary, vintage, scooter and “rat” classes, live music and a ride concluding at the SFMC clubhouse (above) are among the planned highlights. More information is available on the club’s website, www.sf-mc.com.
SAY AGAIN?
Spring can only mean one thing: time to ride! But before you head out on the highway, don’t forget to load up on earplugs. According to the American Tinnitus Association, motorcycling is one of many potentially loud activities that can lead to tinnitus, more commonly known as “ringing in the ears.” For the low down, log on to www.ata.org.
TRACK DAZE
Former AMA Superbike Champion Reg Pridmore’s CLASS motorcycle school will visit nine racetracks this year, including Laguna Seca, Infineon Raceway, Road America, Mid-Ohio and Barber Motorsports Park. Advanced, Two Up and Premier Exec Experience are among the many options. For upcoming dates, log on to www.classrides.com.
FAST FASHION
Motorcycling is looking better all the time, particularly on the streets of New York City. Italian bike-makers Aprilia and Moto Guzzi have a new 7500-square-foot dealership located in Manhattan’s trendy SoHo district, while Fast By Ferracci inked a deal with Lord & Taylor to supply the highprofile Fifth Avenue department store with a factory Ducati Corse racebike, leathers and trophies for use as window dressing.
