Ups & Downs

UPs & DOWNs

UP: To the Scotts Valley Police Department, for becoming the first law-enforcement agency to adopt Zero’s DS electric motorcycles. The bikes will be used to assist in local patrols both on-and off-road, including bicycle trails. “We are excited to be the first police department in California to receive an electric Zero motorcycle, because it will allow our officers to patrol more places, more often,” said Lt. John Hohmann.

UP: The Midland Center for the Arts and motorcycle collector Gary Kohs, for their collective efforts to create what they are calling the most comprehensive exhibition of MV Agusta motorcycles ever organized.

More than 75 vintage and contemporary MVs will be displayed at the center’s Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art in Midland, Michigan, through April 10, 2011. Racebikes, scooters, mopeds and even three-wheelers will be on display.

UP: To the Cobra motorcycle company, for a stellar 2010. This small manufacturer of American-made minibikes took on the world last year and won. Despite the poor economic climate and recent “lead ban” that has severely crippled sales of motorcycles intended for the youth market, Cobra managed not only to survive but to thrive. The Hillsdale, Michigan-based company racked up amateur championships in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Australia, the U. K. and Belgium. Jackson Turpin is pictured here on his way to winning the 7-8 AMA 2 class title at the AMA National Championships at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Tennessee.