A round-up of this week's other bike news in brief ...
KTM pulls out of 2010 Dakar rally
AUSTRIAN MOTORCYCLE manufacturer KTM has pulled out of the 2010 Dakar Rally.
KTM made the decision to withdraw after organisers changed the rules, deciding to limit professional competitors to 450cc engines. Amateur racers can run larger engines at a reduced power.
By 2011 all entrants will be limited to 450cc.
KTM hasn’t written off its involvement in rally sport, according to Austrian World Motocross Champion and the company’s sport adviser, Heinz Kinigadner: “There is no question that we will remain active in rally sport. . .
“We will concentrate on the Rally World Championship and seek out alternatives.”
Flying motorbike unveiled
A CALIFORNIAN company has unveiled a flying motorcycle.
Created by Swift Engineering in conjunction with Samson Motorworks, the Skybike is capable of doing an impressive 80mph over land and 130mph in the sky.
Price details are not yet available but the ground versions should be available in early 2010.