Motorbike Talk

SAN FRANCISCO (Thomson Financial) - Fitch Ratings on Friday downgraded Harley-Davidson Inc.’s ratings, including taking its long-term issuer default rating to A+ from AA-, and its senior unsecured rating to A+ from AA-.

Celebrity Chef James Martin is increasing his support of the Harley-Davidson brand by selecting the motorcycle manufacturer’s stand at the International Motorcycle Show in Birmingham for an appearance tomorrow.

HONG KONG (XFN-ASIA) - Motorcycle manufacturer Vietnam Manufacturing and Export Processing (VMEP) (422.HK), plans to issue 226.9 mln shares at 3.61-4.64 hkd each in an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, according to a market source.

848 launch Weekend – 1st /2nd December 2007. Despite only recently making its UK debut at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham, the 848 will arrive this weekend at all 31 Ducati Dealers in the UK.

CHICAGO, Nov. 27 — The British Midlands Development Corporation announced that Loughborough Innovation Center based Intelligent Energy and Suzuki have developed the Crosscage, a hydrogen-powered motorcycle that claims to make green driving a reality.

TOKYO (Thomson Financial) - Japanese shares extended early losses to end the morning sharply lower Tuesday, following a rise in the yen and Wall Street’s overnight tumble due to renewed credit concerns.

Motorcycles have always featured in Bonhams’ annual ‘something-for-everyone’ sale at The Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, and this year’s typically diverse selection of vehicles attracted an enthusiastic crowd of more than 1,500 people.

The following are the top stories in the Maltese and international press. A Zebbug girl, 21, died in a traffic accident at Msida early on Sunday. Natalie Gauci, 25, a girl of Maltese descent, has won Australian Idol, a popular contest for young singers in Australia.

Seizing opportunities and ensuring that motorcycles form part of mainstream transport policy are high on the agenda for the Motor Cycle Industry Association.

A pioneering new Government motorcycle helmet safety rating scheme which could save the lives of 50 riders a year was officially launched today by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.