July 3, 2006 – Cycle Update

Monterey Bike Auction, July 20-22
The second annual Monterey Classic Bike Auction (MCBA) takes place July 20-22 at the Portola Plaza Hotel concurrent with the MotoGP at Laguna Seca.
Organizers of MCBA ’06 say registration has been streamlined with easy-to-use online forms, located at www.montereyclassicbikeauction.com.
State-of-the-art “Simulcast Auction” software will again allow collectors who are unable to attend the auction in person to bid online from anywhere in the world in “real time” using a personal computer and a broadband connection. In 2005, a third of MCBA’s winning bidders used their “virtual paddle” to secure their prize.
The free early registration offer has resulted in firm commitments from the owners of numerous noteworthy vehicles, several of which will be announced shortly. This year’s offerings are scheduled to be pictured and described in detail on the event Web site.
For more information, visit www.montereyclassicbikeauction.com.
Sidecar Rally Slated for Sept. 9
The third annual Eastern Iowa Sidecar Rally is scheduled to take place Sept. 9 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa.
The rally originated three years ago when John Dennis, owner of John’s Sidecar Shop in Fairfax, Iowa, began working on the idea with Doug Bingham, president of the Sidecar Industry Council, and John Parham, president of the National Motorcycle Museum.
Last year, more than 100 people and 50 sidecars from throughout the country gathered at the museum to enjoy festivities that included a sidecar show, sidecar parade and cookout to benefit Anamosa’s AmVets Association.
Visitors also were able to view the museum’s collection of more than 180 motorcycles and memorabilia.
Ducati Takes 15 Dealers to Isle of Man TT
Fifteen of the top Ducati dealers in North America won a trip to this year’s Isle of Man TT Motorcycle Races, held June 3-9. The 15 dealers had the highest grossing points tally in a sales contest held by Ducati North America this past spring.
The winning participants were treated to accommodations at the Isle of Man Hilton Hotel and Casino, and had use of a new Ducati motorcycle for the entire week, which allowed them the freedom to ride the circuit and explore the island. The group also received a special tour of a significant private motorcycle collection comprised of former TT racing machines as well as numerous other events.
“When we started talking about a unique sales promotion for dealers, we wanted to do something new and different. I thought it would be fitting to send our top dealers to this unique race so they could experience it first hand,” said Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America and a native of the United Kingdom.
In other Ducati news, CEO Federico Minoli recently explained why World Ducati Week (WDW), a gathering of all things Ducati, was postponed until 2007.
Sharing the news in an online diary, the Desmoblog, Minoli wrote, “We had until December 2005 to make the final decision about the event and at the same time we were in the midst of making the decision to transfer TPG’s shares in Ducati. Also, at that time, our financial resources were quite limited: we hadn’t completed negotiations with the banks about our debt and, although we requested a capital increase, it hadn’t been guaranteed yet.
“In those conditions, we really weren’t ready to make the commitment (mentally, organizationally or financially) to such a fun and joyous event. To tell the truth, it was a kind of depressing time and no one really was in the mood for a party.
“Today with the finances in order, the debt and our capital increase settled, we are ready to party … but it is now too late to organize an event as big as the WDW.”
KTM to continue Junior Supercross Challenge
KTM and Live Nation signed a three-year contract to continue the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC), held during the AMA Supercross series for the past 10 years.
“Over the past decade, the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge has become an integral part of each Supercross event,” said Todd Jendro, senior director of operations for Live Nation. “The program provides an exciting and entertaining element for our Supercross audience, but more importantly, the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge serves as a shining example of the positive role that motorcycling plays as a family activity. To see the joy on the faces of both the competitors and the fans is rewarding and our company is proud to be able to work with KTM to continue to promote this positive example of our sport.”
“KTM provides a unique experience, not only for the rider but also for the entire family,” said Sel Narayana, KTM vice president of
event promotions. “Because of the parents’ involvement, the dream can become a reality. These young riders are the future of our sport and KTM is here to nurture their dreams. KTM’s effort and dedication will continue for years to come.”
The KJSC has involved more than 2,500 children during its 10-year run.
In other KTM news, the company is working closely with North American Supermoto (NASMOTO), as well as clubs and track owners across North America, to help supermoto flourish at the grassroots level. In a recent deal, the manufacturer plans to support supermoto training schools and demo days being launched at USA International Raceway (USAIR) in Shawano, Wis., near Green Bay.
USAIR is a two-year-old track with numerous straightaways — including one of 1,000 feet — and several elevation changes. The track has attracted supermoto riders from around the region.
For more information on class schedules, directions to USA International Raceway, or to reserve a spot in an upcoming training program, visit www.usainternationalraceway.com.
Other NASMOTO sponsors include the AMA and ATVA, Supermoto Canada, Troy Lee Designs, Yamaha, Husaberg, SuperMoto Racer Magazine, Seventy Thirty, Umbrella Girls and Ginger Snaps photography.
Moto Guzzi Adds Satellite Navigation
Moto Guzzi has signed a partnership with satellite navigation provider TomTom to provide the TomTom RIDER system on the Norge 1200 GTL motorcycle in North America, Europe and Australia.
Moto Guzzi says the TomTom RIDER, designed specifically for two-wheelers, will come as standard equipment on the Norge GTL and be offered as an accessory on the Norge 1200 T, TL and GT.
Moto Guzzi created a special mounting bracket that fully integrates the system into the design of the motorcycle.
The TomTom RIDER-equipped Norge GTL became available in Europe in May.
The company says the unit will be available in North American and Australia “in the near future.”
In related news, TomTom’s newest line of personal navigation devices will be offered at 2,500 RadioShack stores across the United States.
The new GPS product line succeeds the current GO range, and includes two models, the TomTom GO 910 and TomTom GO 510. The nationwide rollout starts this month.
Piaggio’s Three-Wheeled MP3 Destined for United states
Piaggio Group USA President Paolo Timoni recently confirmed the three-wheeled scooter dubbed the MP3 will be made available in the United States.
Described in the June 5 issue of Powersports Business, the MP3 has two independent tilting front wheels, which Piaggio says provide increased stability on wet and rough surfaces and better braking than a conventional scooter.
Timoni told Powersports Business he expects to receive a few units this month. The vehicle — powered by a choice of 125cc and 250cc engines and a possible candidate for Piaggio’s 2007 line-up — will be on display at various venues, including the company’s planned dealer meeting, scheduled to take place in San Antonio in October. psb