Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128172
.... _: -1•• .... ................. .I'I~ • .... - Happenings In Motorcycling Motonation, the exclusive importer of Sidi motorcycle boots, recently completed its new "Mobile Boot Command Vehicle" and has sent it on the road in order to support Sidi riders across the country. Sidi's "Mobile Boot Commando" Kyle Smith will head this effort. "Kyle is the perfect man for this effort," commented Motonation's czar of sales and marketing, Alex Baylon. "His knowledge of Sidi boots and how Motonation likes to do business. Com· bined with his overwhelming enthusiasm for all types of motorcycling, it makes Kyle our ultimate choice as a brand representative." For more information, or to see the latest Sidi "Mobile Boot Command Center" schedule of dealer, race and event visits, log on to www.motonatlon.com. By ALAN CATHCART • • Aprilia to Get Down and Dirty? ApJilia boss Ivana Seggie has admitted on the record that the off·road bikes which under· pinned the aeatlon of the ApJilia marque 35 years ago remain close to his heart, and that he intends to return to the off·road and dual· purpose sector In the near future. "When - not If! • we decide to market an off·road range of products with, say, a 500<:c or 400cc four-stroke englne, we wm undoubtedly return to motocross competition In order to promote them, just as we have clone with the RSV MIlle Superbike,· Beggio said. "From Aprilla's point of view as a young, dynamic company with a wlnning traclJtlon, we cannot ignore the otf-road sector as part of our contlnued expansion.· To cast your vote, log on to _---ohttp://ww;c1:lews.co . A. Troy Bayliss B. [olin Edwards 6 SEPTEMBER 18,2002' cue •• n • _ so The Puget Sound, Washington, area's 10th annual Ride for Kids set a new record of $91,344 in donations on Sunday, September 8. The proceeds will fund the research and family support programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States (PBTFUS) in their mission to find the cause and cure of America's deadliest childhood disease, brain tumors. Jeff Stark, whose 3·year·old daughter Sara (right) was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 22 months. told the assembled riders how his family's life was changed forever when they had learned of Sara's illness. Sara endured major surgery to remove the deadly tumor and is now becoming an avid rock climber with her dad, mother Christine and 5· year old sister Alicia (left). "You, the motorcyclists, have had a profound impact on the treatment of my family," Stark said. "Due to the comprehensive programs funded by the foundation, the Ride for Kids is more accurately a 'Ride for Families.' We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you are doing. " The record amount of donations was punctuated by Top Fundraiser Dick Stryker, who turned in an astounding $41,185. The Top Club/Chapter was the Gold Wing Touring Association's Washington Chapter E, whose members raised an impressive $36,538. The Top Dealer was Everett Power Sports, whose l;Jenerous customers donated $50,483. A very happy Joel Woods of Everett won the brand· new Honda motorcycle, courtesy of American Honda Motor Company. This decision is likely to have been underlined by the recent growth in the Supennoto sec· tor, and while the company is at least one year away from launching an off-road or dual-purpose range, it's certain that Aprilia is targetlng this market very seriously with a range of new models. Though ApJilia sources remain tight-lipped on the subject, it seems probable that the project leader for the dirtbike program is 35-year-old. German·born development engineer Klaus Nennewitz, who before obtaining his Mech E. degree qualification in Bologna, worked for 18 months in the USA for off·road specialists ATK as both a rider and mechanic. Since joining ApJilia in 1995, Nennewitz has headed up development of first the Pegaso single, then the Falco, and most recently Tuono V-twin models: With the launch of the volume production Tuono at Intermot, it's probable that he can now devote his attention 100 percent to getting ApJilia back into the dirtblke sector, with a range of engines built excluslvely for them by their Rotax engine suppliers. An interesting sidenote: One company whi<:h Aprilla was reputed to hllve targeted liS a qUick route back into the dirtbike segment was America's Cannondale, either by an outright takeover of its nascent motorcycle division, or by purchasing supplies of the finn's innovative fuel-Injected four-valve single motor with reversed cyllnder head. For whatever leason. this dldn't happen - and now Cannondale Is launching its range of bikes outside the USA for the first time at intermot.