Motorcycle News


MC/ATV News		June 2004
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Motorcycle / ATV News

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All news items below
7. Aprilia World Service Inc. confirms agreement with Piaggio Group
6. Kawasaki Press Relations Manager injured on way to Laguna Seca
5. KTM experimenting with their own 2-wheel drive bike
4. Yamaha Rhino named official utility vehicle of AMA Superbike and Motocross
3. AMA Supermoto Championship Schedule Announced
2. Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin Team Moves On To Pikes Peak
1. Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Announces Class Of 2004
Aprilia World Service Inc. confirms agreement with Piaggio Group
8/13/04 Woodstock, GA – Aprilia World Service USA Inc. is pleased to communicate the announcement of the industrial and strategic agreement between Piaggio and Aprilia. In the agreement, Piaggio will obtain a 100% stake in the Aprilia group.
“We are extremely pleased by this progress and are anxious to embrace the new resources that this merging will bring to both Aprilia and Moto Guzzi,” says Aprilia World Service USA General Manager Tom McDonald. “We know that there is exciting new product in the pipeline for both brands and now the product introductions can now be finalized.”
“The combination of Piaggio, the largest European two wheel manufacturer and the Aprilia Group, the second largest, creates a company with considerable resources. We are excited about the synergies created, ranging from product development and production capabilities to business infrastructure, marketing resources, and brand management,” continues McDonald.
“The employees of Aprilia and Moto Guzzi want to thank our customers and dealers who have kept the faith in our brands. We look forward to the growth of this new evolution of the company.”
Below is the note sent from Italy, by Mr. Francesco Nepi, Director Aprilia World Service SpA.
Milan, August 12th, 2004
The Aprilia Spa Board of Directors, assembled today in Milan, examined the state of advancement of the negotiations aiming to ensure the intervention of a qualified Investor to entrust the re-launching of the Aprilia Group. By the suggestion of the president, Mr. Fois, the meeting was chaired by the founder and shareholder of Aprilia Group, Mr. Ivano Beggio. Also invited were the associate advisors of Caretti & Interbanca, who were involved in the negotiations with Ducati and Piaggio.
The preference of an agreement with the Piaggio Group, putting the whole packet of Aprilia shares at their disposal, was decided. The proposal of intervention of the Piaggio Group is oriented towards the increase of the value of the Aprilia Group from an industrial and strategic point of view. Furthermore, it guarantees the suppliers' integral payment, the satisfaction of the bearers of obligations still less the integral repayment of the new finance supplied last May, together with a supply contract with an important and positive financial effect on the management of the Group.
Mr. Beggio pointed out that the proposal presented by Ducati, while much appreciated, under the industrial and strategic profile, is less adequate to the immediate management demands and the expectations of important stakeholders. The Board of Directors, sharing the evaluations expressed by Mr. Beggio with the support of the Advisors, has approved unanimously the proposal to direct the foreseen agreements with Piaggio & Company. granting the powers to the President Candido Fois and the Managing Director Franco Cattaneo, to which, the management of the Company will be assigned, together with a new member of the Board of Directors to be appointed by Piaggio, till the closing of the operation for the subscription of the relative agreements.
More details about that will become available following the International Motorcycle Show (INTERMOT) in Munich, Sept. 15-19 and will be detailed as soon as possible.
6. Mel Moore, long time Kawasaki Press Relations manager, recovering in hospital
All around good-guy and long-time Kawasaki press relations manager Mel Moore was injured on his trip up north to attend the July 12-13th Superbike races at Laguna Seca. Mel, who was initially responsible for Motorsports Network first receiving test bikes from Kawasaki, sustained substantial injuries but is said by a Kawasaki spokesperson to have completely retained his notable sense of humor. From what we understand (unofficial), Mr. Moore should make a complete recovery though it will take some time. We send our best wishes to a long-time friend Mel Moore and wish him the speediest of recoveries. Email can be forwarded to Mr. Moore at getwellmel@kawasaki-usa.com.
Update Aug. 6 2004 - According to Kawasaki, Mel Moore is now at home and doing much better. He is mending at home and doing regular physical therapy.
MN
5. KTM experimenting with 2-wheel drive bike
Questions answered from the KTM factory
What is your experience with 2-wheel drive? What are the differences?
When you ride with the 2-wheel drive system, you notice that it’s so much better when accelerating out of corners. With two driven wheels it’s more difficult to take the inner line around a curve. Therefore you usually take the outer line, as when both wheels are powered, the bike tends to want to straighten itself. You also feel the improved acceleration in the upper body, arms and shoulders. When you are riding very slowly, for example at the Erzberg, where it’s seriously up and down over rough ground, the rear wheel often breaks traction and spins – but not with the 2-wheel drive, which keeps on pulling with the front wheel. This way you can accelerate in situations where others are already bogged down. Those are what I think the major differences are.
Do you think it’s only something for competition riders or can your average rider also benefit from it?
I think that the system has advantages particularly for the hobby rider. The advantages for competition riders will be less, as they mostly have a very good feel for traction – moreover they’re already used to steering the bike with a slipping rear wheel. But if someone has problems with steep climbs or often gets bogged down, then I think 2-wheel drive will yield great rewards.
Does it only have advantages when off-road, in sand or mud, or also on hard surfaces when it’s wet?
It can safely be said that 2-wheel drive helps more on a wet surface than a dry one. When it’s dry, the rear wheel hardly ever spins, but when it’s wet it does so continuously. With 2-wheel drive one simply twists the throttle and the bike accelerates because the power is distributed to both wheels. When it’s wet, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s wet sand or asphalt, 2-wheel drive makes riding much easier.
Is it a similar leap forward to that of the Quattro 20 years ago?
Yes, it’s very similar. At the moment we’re just at the beginning of it’s development. The problem that we’re working on is perhaps the same one that 4WD cars had 20 years ago: the system is heavy! We must get the weight down (currently approx. 6 kg). When we’ve managed to do that, so that it only adds a couple of additional kilos, then it has the potential to trigger a similar revolution to that of the Quattro.
What about riding technique? Doesn’t one have to totally alter it?
It is necessary to alter your riding style a little. You must get used to the fact that the front wheel is also always driving, that you should always take a wider curve radius, and that you’ll be amazed when the front wheel pulls you out of a rocky section. You have to get a little used to the feeling, and this doesn’t come straight away, especially when you’ve been riding a conventionally driven motorcycle for the last 25 years.
Project leader, Wolfgang Felber
What we’re testing at the moment is a mechanical hydraulic system with a pre-set torque distribution between the front and rear wheel. This system is already fairly well developed, but can definitely be improved upon. In the current phase KTM just wants to be one of the first companies on the ball and, using prototypes, to test the suitability of 2-wheel drive under various different conditions. Only after that can the decision be made to produce a limited batch. At the moment the advantages and disadvantages of 2-wheel drive compared to a conventionally driven off-road motorcycle pretty much balance each other out. But anyway, no huge adjustment is necessary on the rider’s side.
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4. Yamaha Rhino named official utility vehicle of AMA Superbike and Motocross
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (June 3, 2004) -- AMA Pro Racing today announced an agreement with Yamaha Motor Corporation that will make the manufacturer the “Official Utility Vehicle of AMA Superbike and AMA Motocross”.
As part of the agreement, Yamaha will supply AMA Pro Racing with their all-new dual passenger Rhino 660 four-wheel drive utility vehicles for use at AMA Superbike and AMA Motocross events.
“The Rhino 660 is our latest concept in utility vehicles, with seating for two, a large-capacity cargo bed and the highest ground clearance in the industry,” Yamaha Motor Corporation Communications Director Bob Starr said.
“The automotive-style controls and On-Command™ push-button 4x4 system help make the vehicle easy, durable and safe to use. We’re confident the Rhino will prove to be extremely useful for AMA Pro Racing.”
“As the Official Utility Vehicle of Superbike and Motocross, the Yamaha Rhino 660 will aid our staff with on-site operations and race management,” AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Commercial Development John Farris said. “Our staff is looking forward to putting the Rhinos to work at the races.”
In exchange for supplying the Rhino vehicles, Yamaha receives the right to promote themselves as the Official Utility Vehicle of AMA Superbike and AMA Motocross as well as various other marketing considerations.
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3. AMA Supermoto Championship Schedule Announced
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 25, 2004) -- AMA Pro Racing has announced the schedule for the 2004 AMA Supermoto Championship. The season will begin on Aug. 14 in downtown Reno, Nev., and conclude at the AMA Red Bull Supermoto A-Go-Go in Las Vegas, in November. In between, the series will visit cities nationwide resulting in a seven-round championship.
As was the case in 2003, the championship’s inaugural year, the 2004 schedule remains fall-based. In part, this was done to allow top level riders who compete in other AMA Pro Racing and World Championship events the greatest opportunity to participate in AMA Supermoto. Chris Bradley, AMA Pro Racing’s Supermoto Series Manager stated that involvement by many of the world’s top riders is one of the series’ greatest strengths. “Last year, we saw some of the biggest names in motorcycle racing participate in AMA Supermoto,” said Bradley. “The finale alone featured an amazing roster of major talent and the racing reflected that extraordinary level of competition. The goal for this year was to structure the championship, including where and when the events would be held, to keep that momentum going.”
In March, AMA Pro Racing announced a significant improvement to the championship structure designed to encourage participation from top riders while still rewarding those who commit to the entire series. Mirroring a traditional cumulative-points championship, while still placing emphasis on the season finale, points will be awarded to the top 20 finishers in every 2004 event with double points available to top finishers at the championship finale. A team championship will also be up for grabs in 2004 in both classes: AMA Supermoto and Supermoto Unlimited.
Additionally, eligibility for the championship finale will be granted to any rider who has qualified for a main event in any of the regular-season events leading up to the last round. Former FIM World Champions and any rider who has earned points at an FIM World Championship event in the current season will also be eligible to enter the season finale in Las Vegas.
Television remains an integral part of the championship. Bradley stated that Outdoor Life Network (OLN) will continue to televise AMA Supermoto and that efforts to air the championship in select markets worldwide are in the works. “Obviously, television is very important to this championship and all of its participants,” said Bradley. “OLN did a fantastic job in covering the series last year and we’re thrilled that their involvement will continue in 2004. We have established a key partnership with TWI to solicit global distribution for AMA Supermoto similar to what we have in place for our AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship. Success in such global markets will add even greater value to each of the teams, riders and manufacturers participating in our championship.”
2004 AMA SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
Round 1 - Aug. 14-15 - Downtown Reno, NV
Round 2 - Aug. 28 - Copper Mountain Resort & Village, CO
Round 3 - Aug. 29 - Copper Mountain Resort & Village, CO
Round 4 - Sept. 11 - Music City Motorplex, Nashville, TN
Round 5 - Sept. 18 - South Boston Speedway, South Boston, VA
Round 6 - Oct. 17 - Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA
Round 7 - Nov. TBA - Las Vegas, NV
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2. Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin Team Moves On To Pikes Peak
Fountain (Colorado) - Thursday May 20, 2004: Having won four of the last seven AMA Superbike races held at Pikes Peak International Raceway, Eric Bostrom is preparing to doing battle on his Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin 999 at the high-altitude Fountain, Colorado venue. Eric’s success at this short 1.3 mile (2.12 km) track can be partially credited to his dirt-tracking experience, as the circuit features a long sweeping left hand turn like that of a big mile oval. He has always enjoyed this challenging track which has no real straight stretches and offers no room for rest.
“I’ve had a great deal of success there and it’s a fun track, so it’s great to be heading back,” said Eric. “But I am heading into Pikes Peak with some mixed feelings. It’s not a secret that we’re still looking for an ideal set-up at the moment and that our results reflect that.
“I guess that until we get to a place where we can do nothing but test things out for a full couple of days and find that set-up, it’s going to be a tough challenge for us. I know that once it’s sorted, the Ducati will be at the top where it belongs, because we have an incredibly competitive package. In the meantime, we’re going to go hard at Pikes, do our best, and see where that puts us!”
The Circuit
Sitting in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 6,500 ft (1,981 m), Pikes Peak International Raceway was originally a horse track and in 1997 was transformed into a race track featuring a D-shaped oval and a 1.3 mile (2.12 km) road course. With its tight bowl-style configuration, Pikes Peak is the shortest track in the series. The AMA Superbike race has the highest lap-count at 48, with the only exception being the much longer 57-lap Daytona 200 race. This is also the only circuit in the AMA Superbike series to feature sub-one minute lap times.
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1. Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Announces Class Of 2004
PICKERINGTON, OHIO -- The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum today announced 11 new members for induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, with ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, October 9, 2004. The Class of 2004 includes some of today’s best-known racing champions and industry leaders, as well as legendary figures that played a major role in creating and building America’s rich motorcycling heritage. Induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame—the largest in the country—ensures that each inductee’s achievements, as well as the colorful stories surrounding them, are preserved for the enjoyment and education of future generations of riders, enthusiasts and all who appreciate American history.
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2004 includes:
Joe Bolger – Five-time New England Scrambles Champion, mid 1960s and 1970s. Designer and manufacturer of motorcycle tools. Long-time contributing editor for Cycle World, Cycle Sport; engineer and designer, including work on Yankee motorcycles.
Willard “Red” Bryan – Eight-time National Hillclimb Champion, 1938 through 1951. Built his own engines, made heads, cast cylinders, designed and built frames.
Roy Burke – 1947 Class A National Hillclimb Champion, 1952 Open Class C Hillclimb Champion, 1955 Big Bear Grand Prix winner. Motorcycle dealer.
Wes Cooley – 1979 and 1980 AMA Superbike Champion. Eight AMA Superbike race wins. Member of two winning Suzuka Eight-Hour endurance race teams.
Linda Dugeau – Pioneer and Founder of the Motor Maids of America, the oldest motorcycling organization for women in North America. Motorcycle rider and enthusiast throughout her life.
E. Paul duPont – Major investor and former President of the Indian Motocycle Company in the post-Depression years from 1929 through 1945. Saved the company from financial ruin.
Jeff Emig – Three AMA Motocross Championships, one AMA Supercross Championship. 1999 US Open of Supercross winner, 37 National victories, member of six Motocross des Nations teams 1992 through 1997.
Johnny Gibson – Winner of 1956 Daytona 200 and over 100 dirt-track, road-race and TT races. Helped organize speedway-racing revival in U.S.
Steve McLaughlin – Successful road racer in the 1960s and 1970s. Winner of the first AMA Superbike race at Daytona, member of the Transatlantic Match Races team, originated the World Superbike Championship in Europe.
Steve Morehead – Career spanning three decades; dirt-track racer from 1972 to 1999. Upon retirement he was ranked tenth on the all-time AMA Grand National win list, and fourth-ranked in half-mile victories. Currently operations manager for AMA Flat Track.
Dal Smilie – Passionate advocate for motorcyclist rights throughout his 35-year industry career. Longest-serving AMA Director, first American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation chairman. Recipient of Motorcycle Safety Foundation Award of Excellence for national safety leadership.
About The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
Each year, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering.
The Class of 2004 will be inducted on Saturday, October 9, during ceremonies at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio. Supported by families, industry peers, friends, past Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees and media, the induction is an emotional celebration that brings together some of the most recognizable names in the world of motorcycling. The Hall of Fame Weekend will also feature the Museum’s 3rd annual Concours d’Elegance, which drew over 100 juried entries in 2003—including many of the machines that Motorcycle Hall of Fame members became forever linked with.
The 2004 inductees will join the legendary men and women already immortalized in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Each Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee is recognized with a plaque, and related motorcycles, photos and memorabilia which become part of the Museum’s exhibitions.
"It is our mission to create a lasting national archive of American motorcycling heritage for future generations," said Mark Mendell, chairman of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. "With each new Class of Hall of Fame inductees, that treasure trove of legendary tales, heroics and achievements grows in value and scope. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2004 on October 9 and invite the entire industry as well as every enthusiast to join us at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame for the festivities.”
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