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April 3, 2006 – Cycle Update

Hall of Fame seeks entries for 5th annual Concours D’Elegance
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, Pickerington, Ohio, invites collectors, restorers and preservation-minded enthusiasts to submit an application for participation in the country’s largest by-invitation-only showcase of classic and collectible motorcycles.
The museum’s fifth annual Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7, and held in conjunction with the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction weekend, is a juried show and only the most compelling original or painstakingly restored vintage motorcycles are invited to participate.
The 2005 Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance included more than 100 motorcycles. The 2005 “Best of Show” winner was Ron Mousouris and his 1957 Honda Benly JC57.
Entries will be accepted for the following categories: American to 1953, American 1954-1975, British to 1964, British 1965-1975, European to 1975, Japanese to 1970, Japanese 1971-1975, Competition to 1969, Competition 1970-1975 and Specials and Customs
Applications for entry will be accepted until Aug. 15. All applications meeting guidelines will be juried and selected individuals will be invited to participate by Sept. 1. Prior year participants need not apply; an invitation will by sent by July 1.
Applications can be obtained at www.motorcyclemuseum.org or by calling 614/856-2222.
Ownership Changes at Hellbound Steel
Hellbound Steel Motorcycles, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., has consolidated its ownership to principals directly involved with production of the company’s motorcycles.
Paul Cavallo, who was a co-founder of HBS, has sold his interest in HBS to concentrate on his other company, American Made MFG., which is a supplier to HBS. Mike Salyer, current HBS vice president of production, purchased a stake in the corporation.
Salyer will assume the duties of HBS executive vice president. He joined HBS in 2002 and has guided the company from its infancy to a production volume of 500 units in 2005. HBS’ production target in 2006 is 650 to 750 units, said Mike Molloy, HBS president and co-founder.
Ducati Launches The Desmoblog
Ducati Motor launched a new Web log, or blog, on March 10 to share brand passion and create a direct dialogue between the company and consumers.
Desmoblog will revolve around Ducati events, corporate strategies, race reports and even weekly updates from Ducati Motor Holding President and CEO Federico Minoli.
“I believe that a blog written directly by a company’s president is an innovative communication and marketing tool, but also, and above all, another way to offer the international tribe of Ducatisti a real human face to dialogue with,” Minoli said.
For more information, including access to the Desmoblog, please see www.ducati.com.
Yamaha Hosts Web-based Custom Bike Show
Yamaha has invited Star motorcycle owners to enter their custom rides in a special Virtual Bike Show section of its Web site. Six motorcycles will be chosen from the submissions to be featured in the 2007 Star Motorcycles calendar.
“With so many of our riders customizing their motorcycles, this site is the perfect way for them to show off their bike,” said Mark Dipko, Star motorcycle marketing manager.
Winners of the show will receive a free trip for two to Star Days, the national Star owner’s rally, where they and their custom motorcycle will be photographed.
The annual rally takes place in Longmont, Colo., July 27-30.
For more information on Star Days, go to www.stardays.org
Kawasaki Expands Custom Cruiser Tour
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. plans to tour the nation with a collection of unique and unusual cruiser motorcycles as part of Kawasaki’s fifth annual Custom Cruiser Tour (CCT).
The 10-city tour will begin April 7 at Arizona Bike Week in Scottsdale and conclude in October at the Steel Pony Express in New Orleans. At certain locations, the tour also will feature demo rides where motorcycle-licensed consumers will have the opportunity to test ride Vulcan cruisers. Test rides will be offered at Arizona Bike Week, Myrtle Beach Bike Week, Thunder in the Valley and the Sturgis Rally.
“The CCT is a way for Kawasaki to show its commitment to the cruiser market while focusing on the unique opportunities that exist for riders to personalize their motorcycles,” said Bruce Stjernstrom, director of marketing.
“During each of the preceding years, we’ve seen interest in this program expand — both from riders and our dealers — and the 2006 schedule gives us a chance to showcase some of the most unique custom variations,” said Stjernstrom. “While each bike is special, they also provide riders with a glimpse of what can be accomplished with their own Vulcan cruiser.”
EagleRider enters Long Beach
EagleRider, the world’s largest motorcycle rental and touring company, has just announced the addition of its newest location, Long Beach BMW.
Long Beach BMW has been owned and operated by the Autrey family for more than 35 years. Bob Autrey, founder of Long Beach BMW, is still active with the dealership and participates regularly with business matters while his son, Ryan Autrey, serves as general manager and coordinates many of the day-to-day operations. Charles Berthon will serve as general manager of EagleRider Long Beach.
EagleRider pioneered the Harley-Davidson rental concept in 1992. The company now offers product for rent from Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris from facilities in the United States, Mexico, Spain and France.
Women Increase Cycle Sales in Germany
The German Motorcycle Industry Association (ifz) says it is becoming evident that the number of female motorcyclists in Germany is steadily increasing.
The IFZ said more than 15 percent of the 500,000-plus newly registered or re-registered motorbikes in Germany last year went to female riders. The organization estimates that around 1 million motorbikes in Germany are ridden by women.
According to a study by the University of Braunschweig, 70 percent of female bikers started out by riding pillion before sitting up front themselves. psb

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