Etc.

etc.

VESPA PX RETURNS

Can’t get by in life without classic Vespa PX styling and traditional fourspeed handlebar shifting? No worries, Piaggio USA is importing an individually numbered, 49-state-legal run of 500 units-all featuring pressed-steel monocoque frames and single-cylinder two-stroke powerplants just like on the original 1978 model. The 2005 PX 150 “Serie America” comes in a single color-vintage green-and includes a PX history book. Suggested retail price is $4299. “The Vespa PX is a classic that has been re-invented over the years, but has remained true to its origins,” said Piaggio’s Paolo Timoni.

BRITBIKE BONANZA

If it’s springtime in San Jose, then it must be time for the 18th annual Clubman’s All-British Bike Show, organized by the BSA Owners’ Club of Northern California. With the apparent demise of the Del Mar Concours, this promises to be the premier classic event on the West Coast, with more than 100 Britbikes of all kinds on display. Come Saturday, April 9, for the show, swapmeet and chance to win this year’s raffle bike, a restored 1962 BSA Star Twin 650; stay Sunday for the “Morning After” ride. For registration, directions and lodging information, log on to www.bsaocnc.org.

DAYTONA TRAVEL GUIDE

Recognizing the importance of twowheeled visitors to its economy, the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched a new website: www.bikerbeach.com. The site lists blockbusters such as Bike Week and Biketoberfest, as well as many smaller events. Check the weather, book a hotel, research restaurants and nightlife or follow suggestions for scenic rides in the area, all in one convenient spot.

TRIUMPH GOES RACING

Okay, it isn’t a factory Superbike or MotoGP effort, but AHRMA’s Triumph Thruxton Cup Challenge Series is cool nonetheless. The caféracer-inspired, air-cooled, 865cc Twins make their racing debut at Carolina Motosports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina, on March 3. AHRMA-licensed racers are even offered an $800 rebate directly from Triumph on the purchase of a bike. For more information, visit www.ahrma.org.

RAINEY VS. SCHWANTZ

As part of the July 8-10 USGP weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, former AMA Superbike and 500cc Grand Prix Stars Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, Doug Chandler and Eddie Lawson will take to the track in head-to-head competition. This time, however, they’ll be competing on four wheels in the Super Stars of Super Karts event to be held Saturday, with many other racers from around the world also scheduled to participate.

DUCATIS AT DAYTONA

Neil Hodgson and Eric Bostrom surely won’t be the only Ducati riders at Daytona this year. In recognition of that fact, the Ducati.Net Ducati Owners Club and Ducati North America are presenting DucatiDayDaytona 2005. Scheduled for Friday, March 11, at Speedpark Motorsports across the street from the speedway, the event will feature race team appearances, classroom sessions, a vendors row, an allDucati bike show and the acclaimed “American Ducati Idol” contest for the best-sounding engine. For more information, give promoter Vicki Smith a shout at 954/764-3847 or e-mail her at veloce916@aol.com.