A round-up of this week's motorcycle news
Death of John Wheeler
John Wheeler, motorcycle journalist, road safety advocate and trainer died at the weekend after a long illness. He was a weekly contributor to The Irish Times Motors supplement for several years.
Along with reviewing the latest motorbikes, he was a vocal advocate of the need to improve rider safety in Ireland, both through training and better road infrastructure.
He was also secretary of the Motorcycle Safety Associates, MSA Ireland. His removal takes place this afternoon at 2pm to Mount Jerome Crematorium.
A bike for charity
If you fancy treating yourself to a pre-owned celebrity motorcycle, and giving to charity this Christmas, then look no further than e-bay. Ewan McGregor is selling his Moto Guzzi California to raise money for children's charity Unicef. To bid, machine, log on to: members.ebay.co. uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPageuserid=unicef_uk
A concept for young riders
In an effort to attract younger bikers to the world of motorcycling, Aprilia has produced the Aprilia Mana X Concept. Based on the 850 Mana, it has a 90-degree, 850cc V-Twin mated to a super-sized CVT transmission. It was designed in Aprilia's studio in Noale, which is led by Miguel Galluzzi who designed the first Ducati Monster in 1992.