SUNSHINE MACHINE:We may not be getting much sunshine this summer, but if you had a solar motorcycle there would probably be just enough to keep it going, without ever having to hit the petrol station for an increasingly expensive refill.
Spanish automotive development company, Sun Red is currently creating a prototype solar-powered motorcycle which will be able to capture sunlight, store electrical power and power the bike in a very eco-friendly way.
The futuristic looking machine resembles a snail in structure but certainly doesn't move like one. It is encompassed in sliding solar panels, which roll back and close up to form a cocoon to gain maximum sunshine. When the bike is stationary, the 25 square metre solar panels soak up the sun and have the ability to store enough energy for up to 13 miles of riding at 30 mph.
DUTCH'S AUCTION
Bonham's and Butterfield's auction house have announced the sale of the Stan Betz Collection of Von Dutch Memorabilia this coming November at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. Motoring icon Kenneth Graeme Howard, known as Dutch, Von Dutch or JL Bachs (Joe Lunch Box), was a motorcycle mechanic and artist. He died in 1992 and was a major influence in customising motorcycles and vehicles in 1950s America.
The auction will feature a number of examples of Von Dutch memorabilia including motorcycle clothing. One highlight of the sale is his engraved crash helmet, considered his most personal and prized possession. The illustrated auction catalogue is available online and can be purchased in the weeks before November 10th when the auction takes place - log on to www.bonhams.com
SUZUKI'S ALL-WEATHER CLOTHING
Suzuki's all-weather clothing package, which featured in the August 8th edition of Motor's Motorbike News stated that the item could be purchased online at www.suzuki-gb.co.uk.
This was inaccurate - according to Suzuki's spokesman Luke Plummer this item can be only be purchased by Irish buyers from Ballymena in Co Antrim, "Customers should be able to order via GS Motorcycles on 048-25 631000," he said.
According to Stuart Miller of GS Motorcycles, they were not informed by Suzuki and did not intend stocking this particular item but could get it if a customer was looking for it. "If someone phones looking for this item they can ask for me and I can get it for them," he said.
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