The "Japan vs. Italy" cover story takes readers and riders on an in-depth exploration of the different design and manufacturing principles and processes inherent to the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers and the Italians - put into context via a comparison of Suzuki's all-powerful GSX-R1000 and Ducati's rolling bit of exotica known as the 999S.
If this isn't enough, we even invited the Austrians over for the Holidays and included a detailed development and examination piece about the upcoming RC8 superbike from KTM.
The 2003 Paris Motorcycle Show is covered, including the uncovered girls working the Yamaha booth and the recently unveiled two-wheel-drive WR450F two-trac from Yamaha -- a near-certain harbinger for things to come on the streetbike scene.
Aaron P. Frank takes Victory's Vegas-based Kingpin cruiser for a spin and claims it to be every bit as good as its predecessor -- Motorcyclist magazine's 2003 Cruiser-of-the-Year.
And just in time for the holidays we stuck in a 2004 New Bike Guide to help you crazy kids better complete your wish list(s). And yes, Gina's present, accounted for and wrapped in leather...Oohhhhhhh.....
The Motorcyclist Staff