Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG) announced its acquisition of Forge-Tec Motorcycle Wheels and Accessories. According to spokesperson Rick Raus, "Forge-Tec was launched in 2006 to enhance Advanced Metal Technologies' (AMT) position in the finished motorcycle wheel business." The company's lineup includes 17 different wheel styles with matching rotors and pulleys, Raus explained, and it also offers a Private Property Program to motorcycle manufacturers, as well as a "For Harley Only" program. "We are pleased to welcome Forge-Tec to our group of industry leading brands," stated MAG President and CEO Brian Etter.

"Lotteries can offer one of the most popular brand of scooters to their players now that MDI Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scientific Games, has added Genuine Scooter Co. to its portfolio," informed spokesperson Max Montgomery. MDI President Steve Saferin said today's economy has pushed scooter sales to new levels and Genuine's models will make excellent prizes for lottery players, as well as make great promotional opportunities. Genuine Scooter President Philip McCaleb added, "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide our fun and economical scooters to lottery players around the world. The enormous demand for alternative transportation coupled with the new reality of high fuel costs makes this a win-win for both lottery officials and the winners themselves."

According to the York Daily Record, Harley-Davidson issued a recall on 47,579 2008 Touring FL models manufactured between May 6-Dec. 11, 2007. The paper explained the shell that protects the fuel filter is prone to break, which can lead to decreased engine performance, stalling and the inability to start the motorcycle. "Customers and dealers have been sent letters notifying them of the issue," the Record said, and customers can get the filter shells fixed free of charge at their local Harley dealer.

Ten million dollars worth of American IronHorse's custom motorcycle parts were sold in bankruptcy liquidation in Fort Worth, TX, announced spokesperson Bill Melvin. Though the auction began with bulk sales on August 25 and was opened to the public September 12-14, we only received this information in time for our October 2008 issue. The auction was held at the company's Texas based facility, selling off excess parts not needed for new production, explained Melvin, who told us Liquid Assets Partners, in cooperation with Hilco Merchant Resources, conducted the sale. The event included the sale of frames, wheels, gas tanks, fenders, starters, six speed transmissions, engine parts, tires, as well as nuts, bolts and hardware, he listed. "American IronHorse Motorcycles filed bankruptcy earlier this year and the manufacturing rights have been sold," Melvin added.

Bobbie Peterich, co-owner of Peterich Cycle, located in Orland, CA, passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, a spokesperson told us. Peterich and her husband, Tom, opened their store in 1972 and it is believed to be one of the most highly regarded dealerships in the northern central valley, they said. Tom is also said to be suffering from health issues and Orland Police Chief Bob Pasero reportedly organized a charity motorcycle ride to help raise money for the couple's health expenses. "The ride was very well attended and the route was planned so that all of the riders could pass the Peterich's home, so Bobbie could see them all pass from her hospital bed," they explained.

W. Virgil Brown Jr., founder and CEO of M&R Products, manufacturer of motorcycle, ATV and auto tie-downs, wheel chocks and other items, has died at the age of 81, an online news site reported. Brown worked at the company for over 28 years until his retirement in 2003, they told us, and he was recognized in the tie-down and load restraint industry for his expertise and his commitment to safety in the auto and motorcycle racing industries.

Bozeman, MT, based Team Bozeman Motorsports lost one of their own after owner Cliff Gullett, 47, lost control of his motorcycle and died from injuries he suffered from an attempt at the world land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats, informed an online news site. The site explained, Gullett recently set three world land speed records and at the time of his accident, he was traveling over 200 mph. "Cliff was a passionate motorsports enthusiast and an equally enthusiastic land speed racer," the store's site stated, adding, "Team Bozeman Motorsports will not be the same without him."