Oil Drippings: Venting in Winter

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

Slug today’s post “a little late and who the heck cares?”

The “a little late” portion refers to a post yesterday on the “Wheels” blog of “The New York Times” touting the fact that BMW plans to build a production version of its Lo-Rider concept model from 2008. Really? This is news?

It was back in November that BMW announced plans to celebrate its 90th anniversary this year by introducing a new boxer model and the accompanying artwork showed off a cafe-style roadster.

Still no name for the new bike, but the NYT report said the bike will be in the U.S. this fall. Here’s what RIDE-CT.com had on the concept bike – three months ago.

Under the heading of “who cares?” is an “exclusive” post by Cyril Huze revealing that Jesse James is reviving West Coast Choppers. James has a new website to sell “parts, accessories and biker wear.”  In fact, the James’ Home page markets “New Gear!” If you “click to shop,” you see a page devoted to T-shirts.

Doesn’t this make the revival seem more like a sad and desperate ploy to separate riders from their greenbacks than a legitimate attempt to bring back a niche brand. Call me cynical. What’s to admire about this cheating scoundrel? Yes, I’m a Sandra Bullock fan with a long memory.

—

Yamaha is recalling some 8,700 of its 2009 Zuma 125 scooter for a fuel pump issue. There may be inadequate clearance in internal fuel pump components, which could make the scooter hard to start or cause it to shut down when in operation. Dealers will replace the fuel pump for owners.

—

Zero Motorcycles yesterday announced that is launching a new line of electric police and security bikes based on the Zero S and Zero DS models.

Imagine the benefit of being to stealthily sneak up on bad guys thanks to a silent electric powerplant. Of course, trying to pull over a speeder on a Hayabusa might be difficult.

—

RIDE-CT.com is hearing that one Connecticut dealer is having financial troubles after neglecting to pay federal taxes, is having to pay up front for new models, and is having a hard time finding investors to keep it afloat. Would hate to see it go.

—

Maybe it’s only a blizzard hangover, but the symptoms of P.M.S. (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) are really flaring in this week.