Etc.
etc.
BOLD NEW CONCHOS!
Actually, the updates to the 2009 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic go beyond the new decorative seat and saddlebag trim, but most changes—aside from the taller handlebars and wider passenger seat and backrest—reside on the cosmetic side. Glass-filled cloisonné badges join the retro-style speedo and cat-eye console on the fuel tank, while half-moon floorboards and a new brake pedal are fitted down low. MSRP starts at $17,999.
MX/SX GETS QUIET
The AMA has announced that the 2009 Supercross and Motocross championships will implement the FIM’s 94-decibel sound limit, reduced from the current 99 dB(A). Additionally, the FIM test is conducted at slightly lower rpm. “The adoption of the 94-dB(A) standard for the series is a big step forward for the sport and comes at a time when families with young children attending AMA Pro Racing events are expressing concern about loud motorcycles,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman explained. The new rules will not affect amateur racing classes at this point. The goal is to set a positive example and advocate reduced sound levels not only in competition but also in recreational use.
GET ON CW ONLINE
If once a month doesn’t satisfy your Cycle World cravings, log on to www.cycleworld.com, where you’ll find First Looks at new 2009 models, XtraPix, videos, WebRides, Buyer's Guide, interviews, Cycle World Garage (where you can post pictures of your own ride) and other web-exclusive content.
ONE FAST VIRTUOSO
Talk about blue through-andthrough. When English MotoGP star James Toseland isn't racing his Tech 3 Yamaha YZR-M1, he likes to tickle the ivory keys of a Yamaha piano or keyboard. Classically trained since the age of 7, Toseland's musical interests include classical, jazz and performing with his pop-rock cover band, Crash, as he did on the Saturday night of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. It sounds to us like signing with the Tuning Fork com pany was a good choice...
HIGH-DEF INSTRUCTION
Former National Enduro Champion and six-time ISDE Gold Medalist Steve Hatch has created a new online video service consisting of riding clinics, training programs and his "chiseled into a champion" curriculum. What is unique about the 18-year factory pro's website (www.stevehatchracing.com) is that a partnership with BitGravity provides the ability to deliver instant high-definition video. The high-quality viewing experience is designed to rival television quality and speed without buffering delays or downloads.
SHOWTIME
It's that time of year again! The 28th annual Cycle World Inter national Motorcycle Show series is kicking off in Phoenix, Arizona, Halloween weekend, the first of 13 stops between October and February. See and touch all the lat est machines from the major man ufacturers with lots of other fun attractions for the entire family. For more info and a complete schedule, log on to www.cycleworld.com.
