The world lost a wonderful person, Gary LaPlante, on Sunday August 28^th, 2022. Over the years I came to consider Gary as my brother. We met in 1982 as members of the motorcycle industry club, SCPBRA, and quickly became close friends. He was working for Kawasaki at the time . A short time later he started working at Honda in the Product Research Department, which was where I worked. Gary was in charge of the off-road motorcycles, and I was the on-road guy. We traveled everywhere together doing product introductions to the press, setting world records and lots of product testing. I helped Gary with road racing, and he helped me with my off-road riding. Gary even tutored me to two local motorcycle trials championships. We stayed in close touch ever since.

Gary left Honda and started his motorcycle training business, MotoVentures, about a year before I started Southern California Motorcycles. MotoVentures became the elite place for off-road motorcycle training and still is. It will continue to be operated by Gary’s son, Andre, who not only grew up working there but is an expert rider and teacher. Andre will keep MotoVentures going like the fantastic dream that Gary had envisioned.

I loved that man. He will always be in my thoughts, especially every time I get on a dirt bike.

Even though we all know that life has a limit we seem never prepared for the pain and loss when it happens. Life is short, so cherish the people you care about and spend time with them!

Ride in Peace, Gary!

Ducati has just hosted its first round of seven “Episodes,” events with the purpose of announcing and promoting special editions for 2023. This first episode was held at the Misano racetrack in conjunction with the San Marino Grand Prix. Giulio Fabbri, Ducati’s head of product communication, along with Andrea Ferraresi, Ducati’s styling department manager, and Mitja Borkert, Lamborghini’s head of design, unveiled the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini. This limited-production model is the latest collaboration between the celebrated motorcycle maker and the supercar marque; the two are in fact located not more than 20 miles apart in the heart of what’s known as Italy’s Motor Valley, and both belong to the Audi Group.

Ducati and Lamborghini first joined forces about three years ago to create the Ducati-Lamborghini Diavel 1260, an exclusive limited-edition power cruiser that sold out in mere weeks. The goal with the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini is to repeat that success. The bike will have a manufacturing run of 630 numbered units, plus 63 more; the number celebrates Ducati-Lenovo factory team rider Francesco Bagnaia, whose racing number is 63. These will be Speciale Clienti motorcycles, meaning buyers will be able to customize the bikes by choosing everything from brake caliper color to seat style.

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