AUGUST 2001

31/08/01 : Now you can literally put your Dragster 'behind bars', PJB Security (0117 965 9240) based in Bristol (UK) have come up with the Magnum Anchor Post which offers a clean and easy alternative to the usual fiddling about with bike chains. This solid construction is either bolted into solid concrete (ideally as close to a wall as possible) or better still cemented into the ground. You then simply ride your Dragster into position, slide the bar onto the post and lower it down as far as possible. The bar is then secured in place using a bullet pin-lock. Price is £69.99 (inc. VAT and delivery).
 
Dragster Gallery Collection 8 is now complete by the way.

30/08/01 : Shell have just brought out a new unleaded petrol called Optimax. This ultra low sulphur petrol has been developed specifically for performance cars and motorcycles and is the highest octane specification of any petrol in the UK, it's greater than 98 Octane and still meets EU emissions standards which come into force in 2005. Currently available from selected petrol stations throughout the UK.

28/08/01 : Jasscooters (01782 537769) have come up with a new alluminium number plate bracket (including mounting kit) priced at £19.99.
 
Here in the UK, the DVLA are changing vehicle number plates as of 1st September. New regulations are being introduced with the use of a standardised typeface for ease of reading... These new regulations are intended to make the use of italic, multiple stroke and other 'difficult to read' lettering illegal.
 
The new number plate format itself will comprise of seven characters which will include local (region where the vehicle was first registered) and vehicle age identifiers and the usual three-letter random element. The age identifier will change every six months in March and September. For a list of region identifiers or for more information, have a look at the DVLA website.

16/08/01 : The Bitubo shocks as mentioned yesterday I am told will only fit the Dragster 50. The only shock that Bitubo do that will fit 125/180's is a front shock. TranAm, by the way are trade only and since the shocks have to be ordered from Italy they can take upto three weeks to get hold of.
 
Jasscooters have some replacement 35/35 watt halogen headlight bulbs in stock, they are £5 each or £9 for two (+P&P). The bulbs are Osram halogen (not blue xenon) and replace the standard bulbs (no extra wires needed).
 
Just when Gallery 7 was complete and we're into Gallery 8, when will it all end???

15/08/01 : Looking for replacement shocks? TranAm are a UK Importer for Bitubo. The part no.s for your reference are: SC106ZZB (front mono shock) and SC106ZZN (rear mono shock incl. adjustable spring and hydraulic compression). TranAm also sell various other scooter parts too, worth checking out.

14/08/01 : The Message Board has once again gone pear-shaped. The reason for this is still unknown. We are looking into a new forum however and this will be incorporated into a new site design which is currently in the pipeline. Meanwhile, some more eye-candy for you, head on over to Gallery 7 for the latest instalment of Dragster pics.

07/08/01 : Time to ramp-up your security - Storm Streetbikes (01977 559229) have had some custom ground anchor's made. This bolt-down security device means that you can fasten your bike to your garage floor for instance. Price is £24.99 (incl. P&P), worth every penny if it stops the thieves from nicking your pride and joy.
 
Marcel over at scooter.startpunt.nu has kindly sent me a translation of yesterdays news item in Dutch:
 
Deze Italjet Dragster is gestolen in Amsterdam bij het Hotel Acro in de Jan Luijkenstraat naast het Van Gogh Museum. Mijn scooter is rond 01:00 op Dinsdag 31 Juli gestolen. Het is een blauwe italjet dragster 180cc, met een zilvere frame en chrome platen, voorop zit een windscherm en heeft paarse handvaten, en er zit een PM uitlaat onder met een titanium demper. Kenteken: W897 XMJ. Motor Nr: 41796. Frame nr: 181395. Als iemand deze motor scooter heeft gezien of iemand heeft informatie, stuur aub een emailtje naar Maxine.Tricker@btinternet.com (de echte eigenaar). Als iemand dit leest vertel het door aan iedereen. Alvast bedankt.

06/08/01 : A Dragster was stolen in Amsterdam outside Hotel Acro, Jan Luijkenstraat (near the Van Gogh museum) at approximately 1pm on Tuesday 31st July. It's a blue 180, silver frame, chrome-plated PM pipe with titanium muffler, windscreen and purple grips. Registration: W897 XMJ. Engine no: 41796. Frame no: 181395. If anybody has seen or has any information regarding this bike, please contact Maxine Tricker (the rightful owner). Anyone reading this in Germany or Holland do us a favour and spread the word, thanks.

02/08/01 : Mike Emery's 'interesting' write-up on the Aprilia SR vs. Italjet Dragster has finally been added to the site. You'll find this under the Info section. Any future content of this nature will be placed in this section of the site. Cheers to 2wf.com for allowing us to re-use the article. Remember, this is a site for Dragster owners by Dragster owners, so please feel free to contribute!