Welcome to the CarDomain Obscure Muscle Car Parking Lot, a feature in which we try and introduce you to muscle cars you may never have known about, as well as re-define what a muscle car can be. I received a message from a fan on my Facebook Page (Thanks Richard!) about two V-8 powered muscle cars of the ’70s that were manufactured by Ford and GM. Neither one of these machines were produced for the North American Market, nor were they made for our close cousins down under in Australia. These were locally produced in the country of South Africa, to be certified for racing in a local Production Car series. I will get to the Ford version at another time, but first, let’s discover the Chevrolet Firenza Can-Am 302!

The Chevrolet Can-Am was always referred to as ‘The Little Chev’ in local advertising campaigns. However, there was an American V8 power plant that put out massive amounts of power, which sat in one of the smallest cars ever. Results, an ultimate track winner that killed its competition. Before the car could be raced, one hundred had to be built to comply with the rules for the South African Argus Production Car series.

According to the South African Magazine Top Car, it is estimated that today only thirty of these scalding hot rods are still in existence. The Can Am owes its existence because of two very different reasons; One was the other South African great V8, the Ford Capri Perana (A feature on this car is forthcoming), and the other is due to the efforts of local racing legend Basil van Rooyen. Van Rooyen was a South African race driver, engineer and founder of tuning company Superformance at the time. This establishment oversaw the building of a couple of Firenza coupes (A British Vauxhall Design originally) with a 308 cubic inch Holden V8, Van Rooyen took the cars to Port Elizabeth to prove a point to General Motors management.

The project was giving the go ahead by GM, although funding only came from the Chevrolet Dealer Team, set up by Van Rooyen. The initiative established that for every Chev sold in the country, R5 (The Local Currency is the Rand, which was virtually equal to the American Dollar at that time) would be contributed to the competition budget.

The Argus Production Car regulations stipulated a maximum capacity of five liters. The V8 was therefore 45 cc over what was needed, a batch of 302 CI small block engines were sourced and imported from Michigan. These engines were prepared for the Camaro Z28s competing in the Trans-Am racing series, but after Chevy decided not to compete in the North American Series any longer, these engines were readily available. The big-valve engine had four-bolt main bearing blocks, ran a 11:1 compression ratio and with an 800 CFM Holley on top, it was rated at a conservative 290 hp and 300 foot pounds of torque.

Production took place in the latter part of 1972 and early 1973. Chassis numbers suggest the Can Am’s were built in relatively small numbers, with a team of specialists assembling the cars. Superformance provided GM all the kits comprising of; Personal branded 13 inch wheels, a Personal three spoke leather steering wheel, Koni shocks and vented hood slats. Added to the package was the trademark American Racing Equipment spoiler which could be adjusted. The wing was aluminum while the hood was fabricated using some rather crude fiberglass. This helped keep weight down to 1100 kg (2,425 Lbs.), helping the Can Am sprint from 0 – 100 km/h (Close to 0 – 62 MPH) in a very impressive 5.4 seconds, while top speed was an estimated 229 km/h (Over 140 MPH!). All cars were fitted with a Municie M21 four-speed manual box.

The ‘Little Chev’ is firmly embedded in South Africa’s motor sport history. The oil crisis hurt sales, although new examples were still being purchased in 1975 at a reduced price of R 5,800. The standard Firenza could be had for a little over R 2,600! Just like in America, if one had a crystal ball to see their future worth, more of these scalding cars would have been bought. But what I would like to know is this: Do you really care about South African Muscle Cars in this series? Sure they were fast, and they are rather obscure, but do they belong in the parking lot? They have American V-8 power, and a Muncie 4 Speed transmission, but is that enough for you? Let me know.

The Largest Powersports Dealership Group In Texas Takes On The Tough Economy By Setting Up Shop On Their Facebook Page.

San Angelo, TX – November 11, 2009 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The motorcycle and powersports markets have been hit especially hard by the recent economic downturn. Manufactures are announcing record losses and dealerships all over the country are closing up shop.

Bucking this downward trend however is a powerhouse dealership group out of Texas: Family PowerSports.

Family PowerSports, the largest motorcycle, powersports, and boat dealership group in Texas, is not letting a down economy keep them from pursuing progressive and exciting new ways to reach out to customers across the country.

While there’s currently no shortage of sites online to shop for parts, accessories, and gear; Family PowerSports is the only retailer to move into the space of selling to new customers directly on their Facebook “page.”

“Facebook has become one of the single most visited sites on the internet” says Todd Shafer, Family PowerSport’s Multi-channel Sales and Marketing Director. “It’s so large, and so engaging, that it’s almost become an internet unto itself. As a premier retailer of powersports vehicles, accessories and apparel, it just makes sense that Family PowerSports creates a way to serve our customers where they are hanging out online. More and more, that’s on Facebook.”

Launched a little over a month ago, Family PowerSports’ page already has close to 500 fans that use Facebook as a way to keep up to date with what’s going on at Family PowerSports. The recent addition of the storefront to the page just adds one more compelling reason for customers to interact with Family PowerSports online.

Wade Hoak, Family PowerSports’ Vice President concludes by saying: “This Facebook Storefront is just a small initial step in terms of what we’ve got coming online in the next few months. We see the web as offering almost unlimited growth potential for our dealership. We’re committed to doing everything we can to make it easier for people all over the US to be Family PowerSports customers.”

About Family PowerSports Inc.
Family PowerSports is an award winning dealership group located in Texas with retail locations in San Angelo, Weatherford, McKinney, Lubbock, Odessa and corporate offices in San Angelo. Family PowerSports is a leading retailer of vehicles from manufacturers such as Axis Boats, Bayliner, Can-am, Club Car UTV’s, Crownline, Glastron, Honda, Honda Power Equipment, Kawasaki, KTM, Lehman Trikes, Malibu, Polaris, Premier, Sea-Doo PWC, Spyder, Stratos, Suzuki, Victory, Yamaha, Yamaha Boats, and Yamaha PWC

Media Contact:
Todd Shafer
916-412-2200
www.familypowersports.com

####

I NEED YOU HELP!!!

I need your help, I’m on a mission to connect 1,000,000 people with 1,000,000 cars, I have recently partnered with a few companies in the tri-state area that have an OVER STOCK of vehicles that need drivers, yes these cars need drivers. They range from bank repossessions to trade ins, these vehicles range from 6 months old to 25 years old, manufactures from AM General to Yugo, trucks to motorcycles, forklifts to bulldozers, what ever you are looking for I can offer at a discount to any advertised retail price. The inventory changes daily, I come across many vehicles.

I am working mostly in the New York, New Jersey area, this does not make a difference, even if you are in a different state or country I can still ship and/or export you the car you are looking for.

I like to work with individuals, but I will take on a legitimate businesses looking to liquidate or up grade their fleets.

I’m not looking for anyone to sell anything all I’m asking is if you know someone looking for any kind of car THAT DOES NOT WANT TO PAY FULL RETAIL PRICE, forward this e-mail and my phone number and this is what I will do for you and anyone that buys a vehicle.

I’m going to give away 10% on the purchase price of any vehicle up to $1000 to your favorite non-profit charity in your name. I’m not only going to give the store away, I’m going to give it away in someone else’s name. What is he crazy! No I just know if I help others help others, life is better for all. This means if you or someone buys a car or light truck for $2500 I will give $250, buy for $4000 I give $400, buy for $6,000 I give $600.00, etc on up to $1000.00

Listen to what I am saying I am going to give away most if not all of my profit in your name to YOUR charity this is a win win for all. We all know someone who needs a car or wants to upgrade to a newer model and wants to save some money. You get a tax deductible donation that did not come out of your pocket, and your charity gets the help it desperately needs, if that’s not giving I don’t know what is.

That’s all I’m asking this in not a joke I am very very serious. Please read all attachments, if you have any questions you can call between 8am-6pm. At 631 671 9779 You can e-mail questions and vehicle request at ejacksoniaia@gmail.com, I will need to talk to you to verify all emailed info so don’t forget the best phone number to call you back

New books on the Panamera and 917

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has two new publications to offer fans of high quality automobile books, which are just as unique as the cars they describe: Just in time for the sales launch of the Porsche Panamera, the Bielefeld-based traditional publisher, Delius Klasing, has produced a large format illustrated book on the four door Gran Turismo. With the title “Panamera Moment”, journalists Elmar Brümmer and Reiner Schloz describe the latest model from Porsche. The pictures, as unique as they are imposing, are the work of well-known automobile photographer Frank M. Orel, who surprises the reader with his very own views of the Panamera. The Stuttgart photographic artist has shown the Panamera in both unusual and unexpected situations. The scope of the images ranges from Shanghai to Elmau, Bavaria, or from an aircraft hangar to a dry dock. In each situation, the Porsche Panamera has its own unique effect – that’s the Panamera Moment. This illustrated book with its extraordinary views and insights into the fourth Porsche range is available immediately for € 49.90 in the Porsche-Museum shop, from all Porsche branches or from good bookshops (ISBN 978-3-7688-2654-9).

When the Porsche 917 was launched in 1969, the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer had dominated the race for the world manufacturer’s championship and the CanAm race series for years. Developed under the leadership of Ferdinand Piëch, the 917 was one of the most successful race cars of all time. The 40th birthday of the legendary race car was a good enough reason for the Porsche-Museum to publish a comprehensive chronicle of the whole 917 project. Under the title “Porsche 917 – Archiv und Werkverzeichnis 1968 – 1975″, the former Porsche race engineer Walter Näher has produced a work that runs to 576 pages and leaves no question unanswered. After racing at Le Mans 19 times for the Zuffenhausen factory, the author has an unique wealth of expertise that is reflected in every page of the book, the product of many years of research. For the first time, the author had access to all the documents and photos held in the Porsche factory archive. This book describes the history of the creation and development of the Porsche 917 in great detail from the factory point of view, supported with documentary evidence.

Book Launch at the Porsche-Museum

The official launch of the book “Porsche 917 – Archiv und Werk-verzeichnis” will take place from 3 pm on September 29, 2009 at the Porsche-Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The author Walter Näher will present his work in a roundtable discussion with former racing drivers, including Hans Herrmann and Hans Herrmann, as well as staff who worked on the 917 project. Museum visitors will have the opportunity to buy the book at the event and have it signed by the author and the racing drivers present. The book, published jointly by Edition Porsche Museum and the Delius Klasing Verlag, will be available from September 30 for the price of € 59.90 in the museum shop and from good bookshops (ISBN 978-3-7688-2651-8).

Wow! Toute une soirée de baseball dans la ville de Québec hier alors que les Capitales ont remporté le championnat de la ligue Can-Am contre les Tornadoes de Worcester… Voici les images du dernier retrait et des célébrations!

Une saison remplie d’émotions avec l’arrivée de Pierre-Luc Laforest et Éric Gagné, le départ d’Eddie Lantigua et qui se termine avec un championnat, des feux d’artifices et la foule qui chante “We are the champions” de Queen! Que demander de plus!!! Bravo les Caps!!!

C’est vendredi, on fait l’amour!!! Hahaha! Et bien non! C’est sous la pluie que je vous présente la cinquième édition de CECI N’EST PAS UN BULLETIN D’INFORMATION… Avec Pierre Grumeau!

Source: supermatozoides.com

•  La santé publique canadienne affirme qu’elle a peur d’une deuxième vague de contamination de la grippe A (H1N1) surtout qu’elle a été témoin d’une impressionnante vague hier soir lors du match Canadien – Panthers au Centre Bell…

• Cette semaine, l’actrice Mahée Paiement a lancé son propre parfum. En entrevue, elle avoua que la motivation première de ce geste était qu’elle désirait perdre son odeur de has-been. On lui souhaite bonne chance dans ses projets afin de devenir crédible…

• Selon un sondage, Louise Harel et Gérald Tremblay sont nez-à-nez à l’aube des élections à la mairie de Montréal. Tremblay aurait avoué à un ami suite à ça: “Harel me fait tellement suer que je suis heureux de pas avoir un compteur d’eau dans le front…ça me coûterait bien trop cher!“…

• En ce moment, l’ADQ est en chute libre pendant la course à la chefferie mais ça pourrait être pire… Au moins, ils ne sauvent pas le derrière de leur ennemi afin d’éviter des élections au Fédéral… J’suis pas sûr que les québécois auront le goût de voter en “bloc” la prochaine fois…

• Finalement, les Capitales de Québec sont à une victoire du championnat de la Can-Am. Je garderai mon ironie pour la semaine prochaine et je prends le temps de remercier Éric Gagné, Pierre-Luc Laforest et toute l’équipe pour la belle saison de baseball que nous avons connu. Vous revenez quand vous voulez les boys!!!

C’est donc la fin de cet anti-bulletin d’information! On se revoit vendredi prochain! Bonne fin de semaine!!!

Available only until 21st September 2009

If you are a dealer of Quad Bikes, ATVs, Motocross Bikes or Parts & Accessories you can get 5 FREE Product Listings on the My Quad Bike website NOW.

The listings can be either in one section or spread across the different product groups.

Simply email us by Monday 21st September 2009 and we will get back in touch with details of what you have to do.

Better be quick!

……..More of an unexpected collaboration between two paradoxical design fields. This stage of my project is where i get in to all of the nitty gritty details- which i hate doing by the way- so often i go and seek the knowledge of others to point me in the right direction. ‘Others’ almost often refers to a lecturer at my uni, Simon. He’s a pretty clued in guy on all things mechanical, and he has this ability to give you so much while saying very little.

So, Simon and I were sitting at Soumitri’s messy desk trying to figure how the suspension/rear wheel assembly works on my car. For those who don’t know, the car has a hydrogen electric motor mounted in a BIG rear wheel at the back of the car. What concerned me the most is that I had never taken the time to resolve HOW this thing would actually work. Would the wheel join on to the body somehow? Would i have to sacrifice form for function? It was a real sticking point with the car- until Simon dragged up his collection of Motorcycle images.

Right now I was thinking “Okay, I get it, Simon is losing his marbles. He’s spent too long at RMIT and now he’s delusional”. However, as he started to scroll through the thousands of images of race bikes, drag bikes, concept bikes, top speed bikes, MX bikes, and kooky custom bikes I began to understand that there was a method in his madness.

Who would of thought that you could combine motorcycle design and car design? Sure, there have been cars that look like motorcycles and there have been motorcycles that try SO hard to look like cars but I find that combining two almost opposite methodologies of suspension geometry and drivetrain design to be a truly fascinating thing.

Time will tell how the end result will turn out, but so far it has been decided that the car will have a single swingarm at the rear. The reason I chose a single swingarm is because I want people to be able to see my ability to design a nice rim. The rim after all is a defining feature of ANY car.

This idea is in its early developmental stages, but I will keep everyone posted as usual. In the meantime, enjoy some automotive porn…………………

www.nelsonracingengines.com – When i win the lotto, i’m going to see these guys. The most spastic cars on the planet.

Запчаcти на все ведущие бренды по производству мототехники и водной техники.
ARCTICAT
HONDA
KAWASAKI
SUZUKI
YAMAHA
POLARIS
SEA DOO
CAN AM
Аксесуары и дополнительное оборудование, т.к.: ЗАЩИТЫ, ДУГИ, ЛЕБЕДКИ, ЛОПАТЫ, ГУСЕНИЦЫ, СУМКИ, ОПТИКА, ПОДОГРЕВЫ и т.д.
В наличии и под заказ.
80634579838 – Артем
www.x3m-shop.com.ua

McLaren and Hulme teamed up in 1969 to win eleven out of eleven races! This new painting by Kelly Telfer depicts the duo racing through the hairpin at Laguna Seca Raceway (Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, http://www.mazdaraceway.com/), in Monterey, California. The cool thing is that I was at this race in 1969 with my dad, brother and family friends, the Dodson’s. My dad used to have me and my friend, Bob Dodson, hide in the back seat, so he could save on the admission cost!!!

This painting is 24″ x 30″, created with Acrylic on canvas. The original, as well as giclee canvas and hi-quality paper prints are available for purchase. Kelly Telfer is available for commissions.

24 x 30 painting by Kelly Telfer

Do you ride a Piaggio X9 500 or BV 500, Can-Am Spyder, or Ducati 1098R, 1098 Streetfighter or 1198S? If so, you may be getting some bad news in the mail from the manufacturer.

Piaggio USA, Inc. is recalling 2,428 units of its 2005-2008 X9 500 and BV 500 scooters due to a fuel hose problem; Ducati North America is recalling 732 units of its model year 2009 1098R, 1098 Streetfighter, and 1198S because of cracks that may occur in the forks; and BRP may soon begin a recall of up to 9,932 units of its model year 2008-2009 Can-Am Spyder Roadster for a steering issue.

Click here to learn more.

Valcourt, Québec, June 8, 2009 -(Motor Sports Newswire)- Despite the turbulence in the financial markets, BRP and the controlling shareholders of its parent company, have raised CAN $130 million for the purpose of further strengthening BRP’s financial position, including:

• $30 million of reimbursable funds from Investissement Québec (IQ) to support the company’s R&D activities, and
• $100 million raised by BRP’s controlling shareholders and their affiliates, including a $50 million loan from the Société générale de financement du Québec (SGF) to support BRP’s operations.

“The Powersports industry is suffering and times have recently been tough for BRP but we have a solid plan going forward which is the result of the concerted efforts of all BRP stakeholders worldwide,” said José Boisjoli, BRP’s president and chief executive officer. ”We need to adjust to new business conditions resulting from the world economic crisis, while supporting our network and maintaining our brands through innovation,” he added.

In December 2008, BRP announced a major company restructuring to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Overhead costs were reduced significantly as was the workforce, some divisions were merged, and 2009 production was brought down by almost 30% to reduce inventory at the dealer level.

”Everybody contributed to ensure that BRP remains competitive and returns to growth rapidly. With these additional funds, we will have the option of buying back our debt and we will be in a position of even greater strength, to take advantage of opportunities when the global economy is back on track, “concluded Boisjoli.

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, direct injection technologies such as E-TEC, Can-Am all-terrain vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines and karts. With manufacturing facilities on three continents, BRP products are distributed in more than 80 countries.

www.brp.com

Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Lynx, Evinrude, Johnson, Can-Am, Rotax, E-TEC and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. BRP cannot guarantee future results, trends, events, levels of activity, performance or achievements. BRP does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to update, republish or revise forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events.

For information:
Johanne Denault
Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: 450.532.5173
johanne.denault@brp.com

####

Outlander MAX 800R EFI LTD.

BRP’s 2010 Can-Am ATV line-up features models that come with the industry’s first air-controlled suspension system (ACS) and a new Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) with dual-mode, speed-sensitive power assist and next-generation Visco-Lok QE automatic front differential.

The ACS comes on the Outlander MAX 800R EFI LTD (MSRP $13,449). The compressor that activates the six-position, rider-selectable ACS system can also be used to fill tires while on the trail. The speed sensitive, dual-mode DPS and revised, quicker-engaging Visco-Lok QE front differential come on select Outlander and Renegade models.

Other model changes and technology updates to the Can-Am ATV line for 2010:

Renegade 800R X xc – The new Renegade package for the serious trail rider comes with a host of features: full beadlock wheels, premium suspension, dual-mode DPS power steering and a front sway bar.

XT-P Package – Gives the rider all the previous Outlander XT package features, but adds more value with painted plastic and package-exclusive cast-aluminum wheels.

More Outlander 650 Power – A revised calibration on the Rotax 650 powerplant helps generate seven percent more power than last year’s engine.

Women can develop sexual dysfunction at any age, but problems are most likely to occur when  hormones are in flux — when you’ve just had a baby or when you’re making the transition into menopause. Sexual concerns may also occur with major illness, such as cancer.

Problems might be classified as female sexual dysfunction (FSD)  if you experience one or more of the following symptoms and you’re distressed about it:

Your desire to have sex is low or absent.

You cannot maintain arousal during sexual activit.

You do not become aroused despite a desire to have sex.

You cannot obtain or experience an orgasm.

You have pain during sexual contact.

Our increased understanding of the complexities of both male and female sexuality have contributed to a better understanding of problems that may occur as we all age.  Sexual dysfunction is linked in major ways to our sense of well being and wholeness.  It can be a major contributor to clinical depression which in turn may worsen the sexual problems.  Current therapies, which include newer medications, better understanding of the use of supplemental hormones, better sexual and relationship conseling have all contributed in the modern effort to improve outcomes for those affected by FSD.  Progress is steady and more needs to be accomplished, but advances are in the works, and that is the good news . . . ben kazie md

Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in women with type 1 diabetes and affects all aspects of sexual function and satisfaction, according to the results of long-term findings from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study cohort reported in the May issue of Diabetes Care.

FSD (female sexual dysfunction) is common in women with type 1 diabetes and affects all aspects of sexual function and satisfaction. Depression is the major predictor of sexual dysfunction in women with type 1 diabetes. These findings suggest that women with type 1 diabetes should be routinely queried about the presence of sexual dysfunction and possible co-association with depression.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Type 1 Diabetes Long-term findings from the DCCT/ EDIC study cohort – http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/32/5/780.abstract

Healthy Aging- Sexual Health – http://www.womenshealth.gov/aging/sexual-health/

Female Sexual Dysfunction: Evaluation and Treatment – http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000701/127.html

Female sexual dysfunction – http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/female-sexual-dysfunction/ds00701

Female Sexual Dysfunction Online – http://www.femalesexualdysfunctiononline.org/

Sexual Dysfunction Information about female sexual dysfunction and loss of libido or sexual desire in women. – http://womenshealth.about.com/od/sexualdysfunction/Sexual_Dysfunction.htm

Women’s Sexual Health – http://www.womenssexualhealth.com/

FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION – http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2660627/

www.condron.us

CAN-AM Spyder Roadster

I came across this strange looking three-wheeler in Abingdon yesterday. It is a Spyder Roadster, made in Canada. It isn’t a motorcycle and it isn’t really a trike. It is more like an ATV missing a rear wheel. 

The lady riding this thing told me she was planning to ride cross-country in June to attend a manufacturer’s rally in Los Angeles. 

I like the color, though.

Rotax Engines In English-Made Frames Prove Can-Am Is Alive and Well.

Shown: Can-Am Sonic MX, Can-Am 250 Road Racer, Can-Am 500 MX, Can-Am 310 Trials, Can-Am 250 MX, Can-Am 125 MX

1983 Six New Models From Can-Am 2-Page Photos & Article available at www.DadsVintageAds.com

To search our full inventory of Vintage Motorcycle Advertisements, Articles, and Road Tests CLICK HERE.

On the sixth day, there was a winner.

16-Page Comparison Road Test of:

Can-Am Qualifier
Husqvarna WR
Kawasaki KDX
KTM Enduro
Maico Enduro
Suzuki PE
Yamaha IT

Includes: Photos, Specifications

1980 Enduro Comparison Test available at www.DadsVintageAds.com

To search our full inventory of Vintage Motorcycle Advertisements, Articles, and Road Tests CLICK HERE.

An inventor from Portland, Ore., has patented an accessory that he says would help passengers of motorcycles, ATVs and personal watercraft hold on to the operator.

Inventor service company InventHelp publicized the product, but failed to name its inventor client.

The “Safety Grips” (not to be confused with the previously released “Buddy Belt”) consist of a nylon, padded belt that is secured via hook-and-loop fasteners. Sewn into the rear of the belt would be a pair of upright handles facing the passenger. In use, the operator would adjust the belt to fit his or her waist, and the passenger grips the handles throughout the duration of the ride.

According to InventHelp, the inventor was inspired to create the Safety Grips after an off-roading trip. “We used this belt while riding quads on sand dunes at the beach, and we got a lot of positive feedback from both passengers and operators,” he said.

Lets hope the inventor was riding the ATV in the prescribed manner – in other words, not riding two-up on a single rider vehicle. Existing two-up ATVs, from BRP and Arctic Cat, come supplied with multi-position passenger grab rails and backrest.

Even as the UOLB sinks deeper into irrelevance, many of the team’s alumni begin their 2009 campaign.  Some, in new uniforms seem right on the cusp of making the big club -

kanganzhu: Both [Jason] Jaramillo and [Robinzon] Diaz will battle for the backup catcher position. Since both are relatively new to the organization, could you give us your early impressions of both players as they fight for the roster spot?

Russell: Jaramillo comes from us in a trade for Ronny Paulino. We’re excited to have him. I was fortunate enough to work with him when I managed the Phillies in Triple-A. He was my catcher. He’s a student of the game with solid catch and throw skills. He’s a switch-hitter, which is valuable and gives us options.

while others continue to struggle -

The Phillies were humbled by the Pittsburgh Pirates to open pre-season baseball. The Pirates picked up an 8-2 win behind nine pitchers… The loss went to Joe Bisenius (0-1), who was hammered for four earned runs in one inning of work, with the big blast coming in the form of a three-run home run by Shelby Ford.

And from the “has it really been that long since I updated the blog?” department, a long overdue congratulations to Former Lynx catcher and good guy, Dusty Wathan on his promotion to the Lakewood BlueClaws, the Phillies Class A affiliate in the South Atlantic League.

Q: What surprised you the most in your first year as manager?

Dusty Wathan: The only thing that surprised me was what you forget about, what you assume guys know. But you had to teach them. That’s not the way we’re going to do this. This is the way we’re going to do this. Nothing serious, but just the way we do things in the pros.  

And finally on this late February morning (some 40 days removed from Opening Day), I’ve been asked by a few people about the status of the legal issues as between the City and the Ottawa Lynx.  The short answer is that it is ongoing, some two and a half years after it began.  Among other things, this should serve as a cautionary tale for local sports franchises that believe the City will respond quickly and/or reasonably when they’re confronted with a lawsuit. 

But it probably won’t.

Vintage 1978 Can Am 175 Qualifier Motorcycle Road Test – Available Here.

Marzocchi forks, Gabriel Gas Bag Shocks and Super Reliability

To search our full inventory of Vintage Motorcycle Advertisements, Articles, and Road Tests CLICK HERE.

I was asked to speak at the Taiwan Powersports Symposium during the Dealer Expo in Indianapolis.

The event included journalists and manufacturers focused on giving an insight about Taiwan’s powersports industry and how it may impact business here in the U.S. The comments below are my own, offered during the presentation.

“While it’s unlikely any of us were in the motorcycle industry during the early 1960s, I think it’s pretty well known how the first of the Japan-made two-wheelers to enter the U.S. back then were greeted by consumers and retailers who had, up to that point, only known U.S. and European brands.

Although the things said about those early Japanese bikes weren’t too flattering, the Big Four from Japan nevertheless grew to become the major players in the U.S. motorcycle market.

Well, nowadays, I hear some people speak dubiously about machines coming from other areas of the Far East. The thing is, I find most of the folks bad-mouthing these “New Asian” products are failing to differentiate the vehicles from the lands, and factories, from which the product comes. This, to me, makes those folks doing the bad-mouthing appear critically uninformed.

———

Seven Thoughts About Taiwan’s Manufacturers
My first experience with Taiwan-made vehicles occurred in the mid 90s, when I rented a KYMCO scooter during a trip to Greece. A couple of years later, remembering the pleasant experience I had on that scoot, I rented another KYMCO scooter while in Mexico, and had an equally enjoyable experience.

Since then, I’ve been on four trips to Taiwan, visiting manufacturing facilities and riding two and four-wheel product. When the folks who know about my trips ask me what I’ve experienced during my time in Taiwan I tell them that the facilities I’ve seen there are on par with R&D and manufacturing facilities I’ve toured in Europe and the U.S., and I often break my comments down into seven simple statements:

1) Taiwan is NOT China.
2) Whereas China has proven itself to be a prolific vehicle manufacturer, Taiwan – like Japan – proves proficient at both developing AND manufacturing vehicles.
3) Taiwanese manufacturers are to Japanese manufacturers as Japanese manufacturers were to U.S. and European manufacturers.
4) Most people who’ve had a chance to inspect, ride or sell Taiwan-made vehicles know the quality of such product tends to be on par with units built in Japan and higher than many of the units imported so far from China.
5) Multiple North American and Japanese OEMs source quads, scooters and engines from Taiwanese manufacturers – among them, Yamaha, BMW, BRP and Arctic Cat.
6) While many “New Asian” suppliers entering the U.S. market often attempt to scrape together as many sales as possible as quickly as possible by moving product through multiple distributors, Taiwan-based vehicle suppliers appear to have a more long-term approach, choosing a single U.S. based importer/distributor through which they can more easily manage their business and plan for the future.
7) Finally, the seventh point I like to share is to remind folks where Kia and Hyundai were in the U.S. auto market 10 years ago. Check out their statistics now. Expect the same from the “New Asians” in the powersports industry.

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Four Steps to Growth for Taiwan’s OEMs
The Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturers Association estimates Taiwan-made powered two-wheelers (PTWs) account for only about three percent of the 50 million PTWs sold in the global market annually.

Late last year, Charles Huang, executive director of the TTVMA, announced four steps he felt Taiwan’s powersports vehicle manufacturers needed to accomplish to increase their global market share:
1) boost production volume
2) focus on high-end machines as well as low-cost models
3) cooperate in joint development, and
4) begin investing in overseas markets.

1) Boost Volume
The Taiwanese government estimates manufacturers there produce about 1.6 million PTWs a year, about half of which are sold domestically and half exported.

“Boosting the production volume is our top priority right now,” Huang said, “because a sufficient volume often means cost competitiveness. There has been no big change in Taiwan`s PTW production volume during the past 10 years.”

I personally believe Taiwan’s leading manufacturers – those you see represented here – should have no problem in ramping up output. These are not fly-by-night operations, but huge highly diversified corporations with extremely modern facilities and an amazing amount of resources and available manpower.

2) Focus on Large Displacement Machines
Huang says companies in Taiwan need to supply more high-end models to satiate the desires of consumers in western nations.

No doubt Taiwanese manufacturers have, in the past, offered relatively small displacement machines, but that’s changing as we speak.

Taiwan’s home market underwent a major change on Nov. 1, 2007, when motorcycles displacing more than 550cc became legal to operate on highways throughout Taiwan.

The law prohibiting heavy motorcycles from Taiwan’s highway system was responsible for keeping consumers there on scooters and motorcycles typically sized between 50cc and 150cc, with heavy motorcycles — such as the cruisers and sport bikes we know here — operating mostly on congested surface streets.

Now that those heavyweights are legal, however, manufacturers have ramped up their research & development of larger displacement machines capable of being marketed to consumers both in the Taiwan home market and abroad.

A few years ago, during a visit to KYMCO, I saw parts being designed for a 500cc powerplant, an engine that two years later powered a 500cc scooter and more recently was modified to power both an ATV and a side-by-side.

During my last trip to KYMCO, in that same area of the R&D facility, I saw parts being prepped for use in a 700cc powerplant. The guys here may not want me to say much else about it, but you can bet we’ll be seeing that engine here soon, as well.

3) Cooperate in Joint Development
To speed the creation of larger displacement PTWs, Huang suggests vehicle makers should cooperate in joint development to upgrade their global competitiveness.

Did you know KYMCO currently builds product for Arctic Cat and BMW, and San Yang builds ATVs for BRP and acts as an engine supplier to numerous other OEMs? In fact, almost all Yamaha and Suzuki scooters with engines of 150cc and under that are sold in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. are now produced in Taiwan.

4) Increase Overseas Investment
Huang says Taiwan’s powersports vehicle manufacturers should mirror overseas investment moves made by companies like Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha, and cultivate talented professionals with a global view and foreign-language fluency.

He says Taiwanese companies should follow the example of the top four Japanese motorcycle brands because those companies quickly developed overseas markets in the 1960s after being established in the 1950s, and now hold a majority share of the global motorcycle industry.

But that, too, is happening.

In a system not dissimilar to the one used by the Big Four from Japan and the leading European OEMs, the three major Taiwanese brands in the U.S. – KYMCO, SYM and TGB – all are represented stateside by U.S.-based companies, companies staffed by U.S. powersports industry veterans who understand the needs of a U.S. dealer network.

And that’s the only way to do it, to achieve success in a foreign market, whether your Ducati and BMW, Honda and Kawasaki, or San Yang and TGB.

In closing – We all realize we’re now living in a global marketplace, one filled with ever-changing trends and opportunities, and failure to recognize and take advantage these changes would be shortsighted. Of course, you being here shows you’re accepting of that fact. Thanks for listening.”

Cari inquilini…. è molto tempo che non scrivo su questo blog dimenticato da Dio, ma colgo l’occasione per tornare a scrivere 2 righe per raccontarvi dell’arrivo della nuova bestia a 4 ruote.

Eccolo qua…. il mio nuovo Can Am Outlander 650

Si tratta di una bestia 650 2 cilindri 4×4 con ridotte, in grado di oltrepassare e percorrere in piena sicurezza percorsi a dir poco “allucinanti”.

Visto che ci siamo vi posto anche l’ultimo video realizzato durante un’uscita in quad, con papà Baroni in “gran spolvero”…

Peccato che nei video non ci sono mai io, visto che la telecamera è fissata sul mio quad

Cari inquilini e lettori… per chi non ha mai provato un quad, non sa cosa si perde…sono mezzi troppo divertenti in grado di regalare emozioni uniche e visitare splendidi luoghi inaccessibili diversamente.

Alla prossima,
L’amministratore