The GUNNY'S SACK

December 2004 This year of 2004 has gone by at warp speed, it seems to me, but with some great memories already. We had some fantastic Toy Runs recently, with thousands of riders turning out to support needy kids! Our Oregon Confederation of Clubs (COC) is alive and well and flourishing. We've all been busy with the organizations that make up our motorcycle community. Hopefully, we'll have a good motorcycling year this year, too. I know I'd like to ride more than I did last year.

Safety is again on my mind as we move through the winter months. Now is the time to do all the nasty little maintenance things we have put off, so we could ride instead. If you're NOT in one of those WARM states, it's a ritual we’ve become accustomed to. Be sure to check those tires. They may be getting a little tired. Brakes and clutches and all the other hundreds of parts that make those scooters run, all need attention, and look for loose nuts and bolts.

Let's not forget the person in the saddle, either. Just maybe, it's time to take another riding course, so when winter is behind us we aren't behind the eight-ball when we get the scoots out in the spring. For those who ride year-round, the safe riding courses are just that much more important. I don't care who you are or how many years you've been in the saddle, riding courses are good insurance. They sharpen us up when it comes to the all the hazards we deal with on the road. Do yourself a favor by taking a course this year. You'll be surprised how much you will learn, and it can keep you in one piece on the road. Remember my motto: KEEP THE ROUND SIDE ON THE BOTTOM! That's what it's all about

NEWSBITS ‘N' PIECES:

LOS ANGELES, CA: For those of you with cell phones and bored sittin' around the house on nasty days this winter, there is a new virtual motorcycle game out just for you. It's called "Ducati Extreme," by MFORMA. It's a racing game for you speed freaks. Play it on your cell phone! Don't ask me HOW, though, and please don’t do it while you’re driving!

Europe: TONS OF NEW STUFF that will be for sale, at least in Europe. Lookee...

Moto Morini is back with a planned 87-degree V-twin 996 cc engine; scheduled for release as a 2006 model.

Yamaha is now testing an electric fuel cell motorcycle

KTM is releasing a 950cc, 98 hp super-moto, based on the V-twin Adventure trail bike.

MZ has a 95 hp naked street-fighter version of its twin cylinder 1000S sport-bike. Honda is coming out with a V5 Blackbird replacement. This thing is said to have 190 hp, an electronic steering damper, traction control, and electronically controlled brakes. Next thing we know we won't have to ride at all. Just get on'em and sit there while the scoot does all the work.

U.S.A. MOTORCYCLE SALES: Triumph reports 104% increase in U.S. sales in May 2004, compared to last year. This doesn't include sales of the Thruxton and Rocket III. ONE of ‘em has that new 2300 cc motor! WOMAN RIDERS: They are catching up with us, guys. And I, for one, am thrilled! Welcome aboard, and ride safe. Turns out that they ARE, in fact, safer riders with fewer accidents. They take rider courses seriously. Women motorcycle riders have increased by 34% since 1998.

BIKE SALES STILL UP IN THE USA: From an article in USA Today, we see that bikes are still hot! Sales jumped 111% between 1998 and 2002; They say motorcycle sales are up another 6.4%, to 996,000 bikes sold in the US in 2003; and that's the 11th consecutive year of increased sales.

HARLEY versus DUCATI: Another stat from that USA Today article: Ducati says their sales are down 20% from last year; meanwhile, Harley sales are up 20%. Maybe it's time the DUC came up with a V4 cruiser. Ya think?

Two-wheel drive! It's back! After showing up on a Yamaha R-series last year, it's now on a Yamaha dirt bike. Might be interesting to ride one of these critters. Anyone who has, I bet the other Sack readers would like to know. Shoot me your comments.

ABC NEWS... Is claiming that motorcyclists use more taxpayer dollars than other members of society to pay their medical bills. Why don't they research stuff before they put it out to the public?

DIESEL MOTORCYCLES: Yes, they do exist! Royal Enfield has a "Taurus" Diesel. The 2001 Kawasaki KLR650 has a Diesel conversion. They also have a military version. BMW also has converted an R100RT to diesel power. Maybe it's a good thing. Diesel fuel is usually less expensive. It just smells funny.

GUNNY AGAIN: The Aid to Injured Motorcyclist membership cards we carry in our wallets guarantee we have access to QUICK legal help if we are injured in an accident or are in some other kind of legal sling. If you don't have yours get with your local AIM people or call the AIM number below and we will make sure you get one, free. Our AIM attorneys are networked across this country. When you decide to use an attorney the choice should be very simple. Why hire any other attorney when you can get the combined brain power of about sixty AIM attorneys? If you carry the AIM card, you are never bound to use our guys. The number to call is 1-800-ON-A-BIKE. Take advantage of the expertise these folks have to offer you. Whether it's about the AIM specialties, which are personal injury cases of all kinds – bike accidents in particular – our AIM criminal defense arm, or you just have a legal question, they'll do their level best to call you back with an answer, or at LEAST point you in the right direction! I tell ya, these guys are the bees’ knees. Have a GREAT new year, and...