Monday Afternoon Moto News - Laverda 750S, Lorenzo & a Show

Over at the Rare SportBikes for Sale blog, we get a look at an astounding example of a 1999 Laverda 750S Formula motorcycle. It is for sale in North Carolina, and there are very few examples in the US of this fine Italian stallion. You won't find many of these on the road...and the price is excellent.

http://tinyurl.com/y95fdca

Jorge Lorenzo has been working with Intermom Oxfam to create an online commercial to get people to donate to the Haiti earthquake relief. Given the immense suffering in that nation now, this is an incredible gesture. Lorenzo will also donate his gold boots, which he wore in 2008, to be auctioned for more money directed at relief efforts. Anything that helps, helps!

http://tinyurl.com/yal4ubk

The 11th Annual Riding Into History event will take place in St. Augustine, Florida, on 15 May 2010. A group put together for the event and a local BMW Owners Association - Northeast Florida - will be organizing the event and Clement Salvadori will be the Grand Marshal. Craig Vetter and artist Don Bradley will also be in attendance. There should be some 300 to 400+ motorcycles on display.

http://tinyurl.com/yb3wrvo

Thursday Afternoon Moto News - ASBK, Yamaha and a Bar

Well, it seems that Motorcycling Australia has axed the Superstock B race from the 27 - 29 February 2010 Phillip Island round of the Australian Superbike Championship. Originally, apparently, organizer International Entertainment Group had said that B riders could compete in the Superbike class (for their own separate podium) as the A riders will, but no more. It seems that B, C and D riders will compete together for the remainder of the 2010 season.

http://tinyurl.com/yefj7yt

Now we head off to my (wish it weren't true) hometown metro area, Portland, Oregon. Kelly's Olympian Bar & Diner has been in business wince 1902 (as the Olympian Saloon way back, which was named for Washington's Olympia Brewing Company) and is full of some of the coolest motorcycle-related decor you can imagine. If you are in the area and a motorcycling fan, this is a place for you!

http://tinyurl.com/ybsrrqu

On to a classic machine which may bring back memories from your own riding past. The Yamaha TT500 was made from 1976 until 1981 (at least that was the last year it was imported to the US) and was an impressive machine. It is still considered a lightweight and fun ride and has legions of fans worldwide. It is indeed a very cool looking bike, so go and learn more about it.

http://tinyurl.com/ydmbzc9

A beautiful 1953 Laverda 75 Sport is up next. It was photographed by renowned Australian photographer Phil Aynsley. This bike was made just five years after Francesco Laverda decided to build this machine. It is an impressive piece of work and would look best in my garage!

http://tinyurl.com/yd7dysn

Incredible List of Italian Motorcycle Museums (in Italy)

Some of the collections are only available to view via appointment, so check the details to be sure. This list is quite inclusive and includes some of the rarest and most beautiful machines on the planet. The only problem...all of them are in Italy. But, that is a good reason for a vacation!

http://tinyurl.com/yfa4mlp

Goodwood Announces Festival of Speed Theme for 2010

So far, scheduled for 2 - 4 July 2010, the Goodwood Festival of Speed will have the theme - "Viva Veloce!" or Passion for Speed. It will feature the Italian love for anything with a motor to be FAST. Every Italian marque will be represented - both motorcycle and automobile. So, first thing's first, get your tickets! It will no doubt be an amazing weekend at an amazing place which will be filled with amazing motorcycles and cars and have plenty of famous Italian racers, designers, engineers, and more! That is probably a bit understated, actually. Go ahead and take the link to read more.

http://tinyurl.com/yjkozfb

1969 (1970) Laverda American Eagle 750 For Sale on eBay

This is a great find on eBay! I have seen so very few Laverda's on the road in my short life that I always figured there were no more outside of museums or lost in barns. This eBay listing tells us different. Please have a look as you could own a genuine piece of history with this 750c.c. Italian classic...

http://tinyurl.com/yznvgmp

Italian Motorcycle Owner's Club Rally - 13 September 2009 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts

The 26th Annual Italian Motorcycle Owner's Club Rally will be held on Sunday, September 13th at the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club in Sturbridge, Mass.

This is America's largest and oldest all-Italian Motorcycle event. Vespa is the featured marque this year.

Admission still only $5 per person. Proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. And the weather forecast shows exactly 0% chance of precipitation!

Visit http://www.imocusa.com for more details. Or call Steven Rossi at (860) 873-2999.