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Did Anna Nicole own it? Unsure, but bike is for sale

American Idols aren’t really idols. They’re unknowns. Wannabes. Potential stars.

All that matters is that idols have appeal that draws people to their TV performances.

So, why not make a fuss over a motorcycle that some claim a celebrity practically owned?

That’s how organizers of the area’s biggest swap meet for cars, motorcycles and trucks see it.

Carlisle Events has been entrusted with a custom chopper bike allegedly equipped for the late Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith. The bike is among more than 250 vehicles to be auctioned at this weekend’s show in Carlisle.

“She never really owned the motorcycle, but she allegedly autographed it,” said Brad Adcock, Carlisle Events spokesman.

“It has appeal to people,” he said.

So do stories about UFOs.

Nevertheless, Carlisle Events has managed to spin a tenuous connection to a forlorn-but-fascinating woman into the kind of public relations coup that Smith herself might have contrived.

The dubious details?

Adcock said a company that enlisted Smith to hawk its products is said to have designed the bike for her. Tattoos avowed to be on her body — as well as a rendering of a naked Smith — were reproduced via airbrush. But the firm held onto its bike after a falling-out with Smith.

At that point, the story goes, it was purchased by Evel Knievel’s son, Robbie, who purportedly sold it to a dealer in Ephrata, who turned it over to Carlisle Events for sale at its auction.

Adcock conceded the tale’s flimsy facts.

But confirmed one thing with the absolute authority of a car show spokesman.

“It’s a gorgeous bike,” he said.

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1177120543151420.xml&coll=1