MOTO GUZZI:Ducati Ireland will be importing the whole of the Moto Guzzi range of motorcycles in early 2007. Moto Guzzi have overcome the difficulties (mainly financial) which had plagued them in recent years and are now on a sound footing.
The model range has improved dramatically. The Norge 1200 sports tourer is destined to rival BMW's R1200RT, Yamaha's FJR1300 and Honda's ST1300. The smallest bike in the range is the 750cc Nevada. The make enjoys an enthusiastic following in Ireland despite the absence of any dealership for many years. The appeal is due to the high torque and reliability of the distinctive transverse V-twin engines and shaft drive used.
BIKE LOCKERS
For years motorcyclists have been campaigning for secure parking facilities for motorcycles in urban areas and facilities for storing riding gear. In an enlightened move, the city council in the English town of Leeds has installed bike lockers which are like bike-sized garages with room to take the bike and riding gear. To date only four units are in place.
BMW HP2 MEGAMOTO
Last year we saw the introduction of the HP2 Enduro. Now comes the less radical Megamoto, right, which comes with road-going tyres, 45mm Marzocchi USD forks, 304mm front disks and an Öhlins rear shock, a lower seat and Akrapovic exhaust. It is expected to deliver around 81kw and tip the scales at 178kg.
CLASSIC BIKE PRICES
At a recent Bonhams auction in England, an unrestored 962cc Matchless engined SS80 Brough Superior with a Bracknell sidecar and with 18,000 miles on the clock sold for €43,640. It was one of only 300 ever built. At the same sale a 1995 Honda RC45 with 13,000 miles sold for € 21,500.
YAMAHA R6 RECALL
Yamaha has announced an immediate recall on every 2006 YZF-R6R model due to a potential defect. It has been feared that the air filter's retaining screws could work loose and get trapped in the throttle valve, preventing its closure.
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