2 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
4 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
CONTENT
16 Urban Assault Ready for action Join us as we take a ride with Michael S. Burns and his vintage WWII BMW.
6 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
12 24
8
EditorsLetter
10
HowTo
12
FemaleRider
24
CPModel
34
SundayCruz
40
PuroDesmadre
44
Supermoto
40 48
58
ProductReviews
52
Technology
56
ThievesCorner
58
XDL
EDITOR’S
LETTER Editor: Tim Slayton Our trusted leader undercover in the field To All CyclePath Magazine readers First of all, we want to thank each and every one of you for creating a profile and if you have not yet created one, the time is now. View the CyclePathMag.com website and log on, stay tuned for coming news and events. Whether you have been with us since the beginning or just recently signed up, you have probably noticed a very rapid growth of users and user activity of late. This is due in part to our increased efforts in marketing the CyclePath Mag. website, but even more from having a site our members really enjoy, and them passing the word to their fellow riders and friends.
CyclePath
The Ultimate 2 Wheeled Nation We have added some shows, so check out the events page for the Ultimate Two Wheeled Nation Coming to a city near you. First show will be on May 23, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Ca. CyclePath Magazine Ultimate 2 Wheeled Nation The Ultimate 2 Wheeled Nation is bringing you the hottest and newest bikes out there. If you have a hot bike, enter to win cash and prizes. We will continue to move forward attending and covering more events. We added a new section to the website called bike of the month. So submit your pictures through email or the CyclePath Magazine facebook fan page. We will post the winner monthly and give the winner prizes. Thanks for your support and feel free to give feedback. Thank You from the CyclePath Magazine Family.
Is the Ultimate Two Wheeled Nation’s Magazine.
GET COMMITED www.cyclepathmagazine.com
8 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
MARKETING EAST COAST MARKETING DIRECTORS: Kaine Alves,Josue Galvez WEST COAST MARKETING DIRECTOR: Eric Mendez PRODUCTION MANAGER: Donald Tucker MODEL MANAGER: Grace Tellez EVENT STAFF: Roger Berru, Cesar Rivera, Mike Huynh CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Mike Winnie, Brian Cardenas, Tim Slayton EDITOR: Tim Slayton MANAGING EDITOR: Arlin Slayton CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Robert Bailon EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Tony Contreras MANAGER: Phong Me STAFF: Corey Esquero
NOW YOU
KNOW
Starting and Shifting Gears on a Motorcycle Shifting is just as important as braking. Working on the same principle as with cars, shifting gears on a motorcycle has three basic controls that need to be operated. The throttle to rev the engine, the clutch to disengage or engage the transmission, and the gear shifter to change gears. The difference with motorcycles is that the controls are positioned differently compared to a car. The throttle is controlled by the right hand, the clutch is controlled by the left hand, and the gear shifter by your left foot. The gear pattern is usually one down and five up. While this might sound a bit complicated its really very simple. The more you practice the better you will get at it and become much more confident with your riding. The first thing you want to do is sit on the bike and make sure it is in neutral. Pull in the clutch and start the engine. With the clutch in place your foot on the gear shift, push down to engage first gear. Apply a little throttle while slowly releasing the clutch, just enough to avoid stalling. Once the clutch starts to engage the bike will start to move forward, as soon as you get your balance place your foot or feet on the pegs. Now that you are moving slip your left toe under the gear shift, when the engine revs up a bit you can lift up and shift into second gear. You do this by releasing the throttle, pulling the clutch then shifting into second. Now in a
The shifting pattern: • 5th gear • 4th gear • 3rd gear • 2nd gear • Neutral • 1st gear
The shifting technique therefore follows the steps listed below: • Disengaging the clutch • Selecting the gear • Applying the throttle • Releasing the clutch • Applying the throttle while releasing the clutch • Revving until another shift is needed
KIDS
SPACE Cyclepath magazine wants to showcase your childrens talents. Please send us a digital file of your childs creation to info@cyclepathmagazine.com.
Name: Isaac Bailon Age: 7 Hometown: Los Angeles Description: Isaac decided to make his groups from a supercross track. Pretty clever if you ask us. Great job Isaac.
10 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
smooth movement you can release the clutch and gently increase the throttle. Repeat these steps to upshift into the higher gears. Downshifting is similar. You shift down while decelerating by selecting a lower gear and letting out the clutch while smoothly applying the throttle to match rpm’s. Downshifting allows you to accelerate again if traffic conditions change. If you come to a complete stop, its best to shift into neutral, hold the brake and shift into first gear just before you are ready to start moving again. What you have to know is that optimum shift points are where the engine produces enough torque to provide the most efficient acceleration, but since these points are different from one motorcycle to another. There’s nothing left to do but check your motorcycles technical specifications or use your instincts. This is the reason that you should get to know your bike and pay attention to its behavior. If the motorcycle stalls while you’re letting out the clutch, you’re probably doing it too fast. If it slows down during shift it means that you are not revving the engine enough between shifting. The biggest fear for a beginner is skipping gears. What you have to know is that there is no problem with skipping gears as long as you match the rpm’s of the motor.
FEMALE
RIDER
J
essica Maine, Team Rebella, Does it ring a bell? If you follow stunters and their careers, this name should have burned a memorable impression in your mind. Jessica has been one of the first female stunters that has earned her stripes among all the are in the sport, from knocking out combos, wheelies and any other crazy tricks to capivating our attention with the smoothness of her tricks. It doesn’t stop there, she recruited a mini militia of other female stunters to form their stunt squad called Team Rebella. Team Rebella with Jessica leading the way, going coast to coast putting on amazing shows that leave their audience with their jaws dropped. They are definitely sick on their bikes and hey, girls and bikes, need I say more? I was fortunate enough to get a one on one interview with Jessica and see what she has to say. 12 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
HOW DID YOU START STUNTING? I bought a bike in 2003 when I was 17. I rode like I drive my car... like a bat out of hell... broke up with the bf.. dropped out of college and just rode my heart out. WHAT DRIVES DID YOU HAVE TO BE A STUNTER AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN STUNTING?
Initially it was the end of 2005 when I really started focusing on making riding a career. what drove me is that no other chics were really doing it... so I felt the new ground needed to be stomped on. Not only to show guys, but girls as well, that it doesn’t matter what genitals you have under your pants. YOU ARE A VERY GOOD STUNTER, WHAT OBSTACLES DID YOU HAVE BEING A FEMALE STUNTER?
After I started stunting, it wasn’t really a matter of being a chic anymore... I got more attention than the guys, obviously... but my competitors were guys... so I was treated as one too... I didn’t and still dont feel different from the guys, i still have the same opportunities as they do... if I wanted to compete with the guys in XDL or something then I too would have to ride my ass off and ride everyday all day...
CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
| 35
FEMALE
RIDER WAS THERE ANYBODY DOUBTING YOUR SKILLS AND HOW HAVE YOU DEALT WITH THAT?
Sure of course. but that goes with any sport... even if you’re a dude... you’ll get doubted until you show your dedication and improvements. BEING A FEMALE STUNTER MUST HAVE BROUGHT ALOT ATTENTION FROM GUYS TO YOU, WHAT WAS ONE OF THE CRAZIEST THINGS A GUY TRY TO DO TO GET YOUR NUMBER? Nothing in person has been too crazy... but i get a lot of creepy emails on myspace and facebook. people email me like ive been their best friend since childhood, and or they email me saying how much we have in common with each other, only judging me from my pictures they created a whole persona and assumptions about me, when i’ve never met them at all before.
STUNTING HAS BEEN A PRODOMINATELY A MALE SPORT, BUT SINCE YOU BEEN STUNTING , HAS YOUR
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS FOR YOUR CAREER? I don’t really have any, I feel i had my 5 minutes already. I’m back in school going for a biochemistry degree. I have a part time job now too. Riding has turned back into a hobby for me. But actually I like it that way.. I’m not broke off my ass anymore. And I feel I actually have a real future now. Hahahaha (for magazine answer: Have my Rebella line taken to the next level, and to perform in France or Japan.) WE UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE A STUNT TEAM CALLED TEAM REBELLA, HOW MANY STUNTERS DO YOU HAVE ON THE SQUAD AND HOW DID YOU GUYS MEET? It’s three girls, Alicia Speck, Brandy Valdez, and myself. met brandy in 2007 from myspace. met alicia at the local socal stunt spot. we all got along right away. and i can honestly say they are both my best/closest friends.
STUNTING SKILLS INTIMIDATED ANY MALE STUNTERS?
Not really, if anything thing I’ve encouraged guys to ride harder. if a tiny lil chic can do it, then they feel they can do it too if not better. WHAT WAS THE SCARIEST MOMENT THAT HAPPEN WHEN YOU STUNT?
Every day that I practice is a scary moment, but thats what i love about it.. and why I do it. if I don’t release my adrenaline I turn into the wicked witch of the west. HOW MANY INJURIES HAVE YOU HAD? WHAT WAS THE WORST ONE? Too many.. actually breaking bones isn’t as bad as when you don’t wear your gear and get roadrash all over, luckily I enhanced my intelligence and wear gear now and don’t do power wheelies on the freeway anymore. but I looped a wheelie on the freeway going like 65mph... roadrash head to toe, healing and getting the roadrash scrubbed hurts more than the hour or two of pain you deal with when you break your wrist till the docs give you morphine. WHAT WAS ONE OF THE FUNNIEST MEMORY YOU HAVE IN STUNTING CAREER?
It’s posted all over youtube. my crash in philly. I was doing a highchair and my leg hit the kill switch (bringing the bike down) as i’m looking down trying to save the bike, it’s turning and I’m not looking ahead of me, by the time i restart my bike, I look up and there’s a cement pole in front of me and I slam into it. bike was destroyed, but i was ok. WHAT WAS THE FIRST STUNT YOU LEARN AND HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO MASTER IT?
Just your basic power wheelie, but I would ultimately say it was the Christ-air and handstands that were my first.. and i mastered them the first day i tried them. What is the newest stunt trick you have been practicing? mainly combos, but i’m trying to master circles. 14 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
HOW BIG DO YOU WANT REBELLA TO GROW? If permitted, it would be pretty sick if it grew bigger than it already has. but we need shows... and brandy needs to move to CA. I’d be happy if we just ride locally and come out with a few DVDs... or if we got one show a week, that would be cool too. My initial goal was to make Rebella the female version of metal mulisha. but. we’ll see.. haha THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT YOUR PRESENCE ON THE STUNT SCENE HAS AWAKENING MANY FEMALE RIDERS THAT ARE THINKING ABOUT STUNTING TOO, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THEM? If you wanna do it... do it.. shut up and do it. and don’t stop or give up... it takes more than a couple days worth to actually get good... more like a year or more before you get decent. Then takes dedication... will power... and guts.. if you wreck and get hurt... you can’t be scared... you got to fix your bike, and dust yourself off and try again.
WHAT UPCOMING SHOWS HAVE YOU BEEN BOOKED FOR 2010? I only have a show in FL around june... sad right? I dont know what happened... HEY EVERYONE I AM STILL WILLING TO DO SHOWS!!! HIRE TEAM REBELLA!!! WHO HAS HELPED YOU ALONG THE WAY AND WHO ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? I have been supported by many companies throughout my career, but my immediate family has been there for me through hospital trips and being broke off my ass... losing my mind... they still love me and i know deep down they are proud of me... but my dad is happy i’m back in school. haha
COVER
CYCLE
16 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
Ready For
Action The Germans used motorcycles extensively for liaison and reconnaissance purposes. BMW produced motorcycles for the German Army. The BMW R/75 746cc 26hp motorcycle is perhaps the best known type, however. All tank divisions had motorcycle infantry units. Two or three motorcycle companies and a HQ company formed a motorcycle battalion. An average infantry division on the Eastern Front in the early stage of the war used 452 motorcycles including those with sidecars. . BMW motorcycles were to prove invaluable during World War 2. Not having a chain that could clog with sand, they were so successful that Harley-Davidson were requested by the US military to copy the machine, which they duly did and produced the HarleyDavidson XA. With the German war machine insatiable for motorcycles, BMW flourished during the war years.
COVER
CYCLE
Can you let me know a little about your self? Born Michael S. Burns. I’ve lived in Southern California my whole life. I collect vintage Italian scooters and have a bike/sidecar to carry a machine gun. I’ve found a niche in creating cheesy graphics for television shows, Blind Date, Jimmy Kimmel, Carson Daly etc. Real low-brow stuff, but it’s a calling… And pays for my hobbies. Does your bike have a nickname? Hmm..no. How long have you been riding? 25-ish years. Legally…10. How you got started building bikes? Started with the scooter scene in the mideighties. 18 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
The Mod scene introduced me to the Italian classics of Lambretta and Vespas. I’d ride all over God’s creation on those mothers. San Diego, San Francisco and everywhere in-between. What was the first bike you built? My first built bike was a 1979 Vespa P200E which I still have and ride. What bike builders style do you like? While I appreciate the over the top customs out there, I prefer the simple and clean aesthetic. The bikes by Bruce Gajjar from Hollywood Bobbers are the business! What problems you faced when building? Like any “niche” or specialty bikes, you can’t find many of the parts and accessories at your local motorcycle shop. Things often have to be custom fabricated if not finding yourself on the never ending quest to track down those wanted parts. A positive is the camaraderie you find with fellow enthusiasts who thinking outside of the box. CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
| 19
COVER
CYCLE
If you had anything to do different? Wear gloves when rebuilding. My hands are always missing chucks of meat and look cro-mag after a wrenching session. Do you ride this bike around town? All the time. Ride to the store, get something to eat. Mostly local stuff. It's a war bike. It’s geared really low to climb hills and deal cross country, so freeways are out. Comes in handy at my WWII reenactments. It’s totally at home in the middle of period tanks, armor and grown men running around like kids. What kind of looks do you get when people see you riding? At first I was a bit hesitant to drive around town on
20 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
it. It does represent a period of evil in the twentieth century where many who were there and dealt with the horror of war are still with us. What I have found is, people are fascinated and really dig it. I have to devote at least an extra hour to any time I take the bike out to answer questions and take pictures with their kids sitting in the side car. Surprisingly, it’s mostly older women who are most intrigued by the bike. Go figure. What is the best question you were asked, And what was the answer.? I was once asked, by an older woman “If Hitler ever rode in my bike?” I couldn’t gauge if she was serious or not. I told her “Yes, he sure did” and rode off.
CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
| 13
COVER
CYCLE Funniest moment? Hmm… There was big parade being held down the street from my place. High school bands, floats, city dignitaries, the whole kit and kaboodle. I hopped on the bike and cruised on over to check it out. Everyones back was to me watching the spectacle, that is until I arrived when everyone, at first a couple of people then the whole crowd turned and gaped mouthed were transfixed by my bike. I’m sure memories of The Great Escape, Hogan’s Heroes and every other third rate war movie ran though their heads. The cops overseeing the peace were the most enthusiastic of the bunch. What is your favorite Motorcycle? If I could win the lottery, I’d love to get my hands on a BMW R75 or a Zundapp KS750. Then my life would be complete. What are your future plans? To continue enjoying collecting and riding in this money-pit of a hobby. Who would you like to thank? My fiancee Loryn for putting up with me. Even though she’s less than enthusiastic ’bout hearing… “Let’s take the sidecar out for Sunday mimosas”
22 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
Simply Ashley
24 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
CYCLEPATH MAGAZINE GETS TO KNOW ASHLEY
How did you get started into modeling? I originally started as a gogo dancer and doing pictures for flyers and promoters. Do you have a nickname and how did you get it? No nickname, my name is too pretty not to say. jk lol What do you do on your spare time? On my spare time I like to be out and about. I love hiking and going to the beach, anything fun I'm down! Do you have any hobbies? If so what are they? Hobbies- not really unless you count shopping. What is your favorite type of food? My favorite food is anything sweet What do you consider to be your best feature? My best feature would have to be my smile What will most people be surprised to know about you? Something most people don't know about me is that I am a bit of a town boy I love playing sports getting a little dirty. Do you have a favorite TV show? I don't really have a favorite tv show but I do like reality tv What is your favorite type of music? I love alternative and indie rock. What is your favorite type of motorcycle? I like the GSX. Do you ride? No I do not ride.
26 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
Have you ever been on one? Yes, I have been on the back of an R1.
CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
| 27
ASHLEY MICHELLE HEIGHT: 5' 2" HAIR: Brown ETHNICITY: Mexican HOMETOWN: East L.A.
28 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
36 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
| 37
UNDAY
Scootin’
34 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
Desmadre
Puro
40 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
PURO
DESMADRE Does your bike have a nickname? Puro Desmadre How long have you been riding? 25 years How did you get started with motorcycles? When I was 8 I started riding quads/dirt bikes and at the age of 14-15 my brother introduced me to my first crotch rocket and Ive been in love with bikes since. It was always my dream to build a chopper and not until about a year and a half ago did my dream come true with the help of Vincent Garcia a.k.a Chevy Time (owner of Malditos Motos). What was the first bike you owned? Honda CR80 2 stroke Do you plan on purchasing or building another bike? Yes I plan on building another bike its in the works as we speak. What mods do you have planned for your bike? as far as this bike goes I feel I am done with it. It has received a lot of attention the way it is now. My new goal is to see if I can build another eye catcher. What are your future plans? Right now we are currently working on getting our shop up and running to its fullest capability. Malditos Motos has now joined forces with Maxima Imagen (painting/pin striping/airbrushing). We will be servicing bikes and doing upgrades. People have really started to gravitate to us these past two years after they have seen what we are capable of. What bike builders style do you like? Jesse James (West Coast Choppers) What would you say was your craziest moment riding? When I almost got T-boned on Union pacific in East L.A. That women just missed me by a hair. What is your favorite place to ride? In the sand its Glamis. In the dirt Slash X. On the streets anywhere. Do you have plans for your next bike? Another chopper with lots of chrome. Whats your favorite motocycle movie? and why? Easy rider. It reflects on how the real biker life style should be. Thanks for your time and I look forward to reading the article. Please keep me posted so I can check it out when it is finished. I look forward to working with you in the future and I will keep you posted on our new bikes that we are working on.
42 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
SUPER
MOTO
44 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
hile out at a MotoYard track day we came across a 2005 DRZ 400 that belonged to MotoYard staff member Sam Dominguez. This was a must test ride. Supermoto is a great mixture of Motocross with Superbike, it gives you a great mix from both street and dirt. When given the chance to throw a leg over the DRZ it was exciting. We suited up, made our way to the track, started the up the bike, just warming up you can tell it had a very healthy motor. We rode on to the track it handled great, felt very nimble and light. Coming down the straight it was fast due to the gearing, and there was no problem backing it in the corners, it’s so versatile you can put it anywhere you want. The big contact patch and the suspension work really kept the tires planted and stable. Riding around corners the front end wanted to lift if you really cracked the throttle. It did not matter where you in the turn, middle, or exit so being smooth is a must. We like to thank MotoYard to this was fun. This is a fun bike to ride around not only the track but around town. Comfortable, fast, and nimble; a supermoto is a must have! It may be a 400, but it has been built to a 450 so it has some power and speed. These guys really know how to build a motor.
W
46 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
2005 Suzuki DRZ 400 specs: • Dunlop Tires • Excel Rims • Renthal Twin Wal Bars • Renthal Sprockets • Yoshimura Pipe • D.I.D Chain • Showa Suspension revalved by Rudy Acevedo at In House Suspension
• Pro Circuit Clutch Perch • Pro Circuit Axel Blocks • Power Mad Hand Guards • Oversized Rotors • After market valves • 450cc Big bore kit
CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
| 47
PRODUCT
REVIEWS APC Helmet Airbag Spanish based APC Systems have come out with a helmet improvement that could save lives—crash helmets that incorporate an airbag, increasing the level of crash protection for motorcyclists. APC came up with the idea from experiences built up by Doctor Millet in treating head and other types of injuries caused by motorcycle accidents. Initially, a basic prototype was made based on a system with a cable attached to the motorcycle which became disconnected when the fall happened, allowing the airbag to inflate. In 2004 APC proceeded with the aim of turning this innovative idea into a real project. The idea was patented, the company was provided with a structure, agreements with the best external suppliers and collaborators were sought and reached, and the final design and development work was carried out on the first crash helmet with airbag in the world. The helmet works by way of a small control box fitted on the motorcycle which receives and processes data. The control box determines when a collision may be about to happen—just as the Airbag systems in your car. When this control box senses that a rider is about to crash, a signal is relayed to the helmet instructing the airbag to inflate. It happens in less than 15/100th of a second—fast and great at increasing protection for the rider. The bag unfolds around the neck and the back, going slightly beyond the seventh vertebra. This design objective is of improving the stabilisation of the neck during the accident and absorbing possible impacts that the motorist can receive to the upper part of the back. APC has won awards for its invention from the Barcelona Provincial Council and the Official Organisation of Industrial Engineers of Catalonia. The only question not been able to source an answer to, is if the Air Bag is deployed under a very mild situation where contact is not made to the helmet, can the Airbag be packed away and used again—and for that fact trusted. The APC helmet airbag is only available in Spain right now and trust that it’ll be available in other markets soon. For more details visit the APC website. And have a look at their interesting videos of motorcycle crash test dummies—very interesting and worth watching.
HTC HD2 Smartphone Reviewed by Showtime
New Product from Works Connection – Fork Bleeder Valves Do you ever get tired of having to dig out a screwdriver every time you want to release the air that accumulates in your forks while riding? We sure do. Plus there is the lost oil that spooges out every time and the fear of getting dirt onto the tiny screw if you happen loosen it too much and let it fall into the dirt. Check these super cool, push button fork bleeders from Works Connection. We love them and feel no bike is complete without them! Features: • EZ push-button operation eliminates harsh, built up air pressure instantly • Relieving air pressure allows your suspension to operate as designed • Compatible with Kayaba and Showa upside-down forks equipped with stock bleeders screws • Simple installation replaces OE bleeder screws in minutes • Two bleeder valves with adapters included in set Retail: $24.95 Get yours at: www.worksconnection.com 48 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
HTC's Gorgeous HD2 With Windows Mobile OS. The first thing you notice about HTC's HD2 is its enormous size. A 4.3-inch capacitive touch screen graces the face of this finely crafted device, while the chassis matches the display's sleek design. Despite having such a large screen, the phone still feels lightweight at 5.5 ounces. And that display is shiny: We co-opted it as a substitute for a pocket mirror. However, the phone runs Windows Mobile 6.5, a decidedly outmoded operating system. WinMo takes about 30 seconds to start up and, once running, has a tendency to freeze. The touch screen isn't that responsive, it's a bit jumpy and often registers the wrong button press. The HD2's 5-megapixel, flash-equipped camera also falls short because it requires a steady hand and produces grainy photos. When using the dual-LED flash, sometimes glow is cast on your treasured moments. On the plus side, call quality is good on both ends of the conversation with battery life that endured a full two days of constant use before fading out. The 1-GHz Snapdragon processor makes scrolling through menus great, while Opera's lean-and-fast mobile browser renders websites quickly and cleanly. A screen of 400 x 800 pixels means you can actually enjoy watching movies on the HD2. Which looked awesome onscreen except for some muddiness that occurred in dark scenes. Preinstalled apps include MobiTV, Blockbuster and Barnes & Noble e Reader, a good way to pass time away the hours while you wait in line at the DMV. If only looks mattered when it comes to selecting a mobile device, the HD2 would be an easy choice. Unfortunately, software flaws have it playing catch-up with the leaders of the pack. Go: A screen that screams, "Look at me!" That beautifully sleek body with design to match. The easy to navigate user interface, and fancy interactive wallpaper. No Go: It came loaded with WinMo 6.5. With a Jumpy touch screen and a camera that overpromises and under-delivers. • Style: Touch screen • Service Provider: T-Mobile • Camera Resolution: 5.1 to 7 megapixels • Operating System: Windows Mobile • Manufacturer: HTC Retail: $200 (with 2-year contract)
PRODUCT
REVIEWS CamelBak ChillJacket Reviewed by Pops
No-Spill Bottle Keeps Your Drink Cool and Clean Water belongs in your mouth, not on your shirt or jersey. This insulated bottle's self-sealing bite valve won't spill a drop until you tell it to. Just twist the cap to open the reservoir. A silver ion compound baked into the plastic helps fight bacteria. The No-Spill Bottle works great for bike rides or hikes. Go: The top has an on off so which really is a great idea for no mistakes.
New Product – Motion Pro Tool Pack
Retail: $12.00
Canon EOS 7D Reviewed by Showtime Canon's 7D DSLR Makes Serious Power Its Focus Maybe you're tired of using a crappy point-and-shoot. Or, maybe you feel like you've outgrown that awesome, yet dated, power shot. Maybe you're just looking to step up to a full-featured DSLR. Canon's newest 7D is the way to go. There's no Doubt about it. Built around a brand new 18-megapixel CMOS image sensor and twin Digic 4 processors, the magnesium-bodied 7D gets out impressively sharp, beautifully saturated images at eight frames a second. It's an APS-C sensor, which means it measures approximately 28mm diagonally, compared with the 43.3mm diagonal of a full-size 35mm frame. Canon also added a bright, spacious viewfinder, the first one Canon's ever made that offers 100 percent coverage and 1.0x magnification. Complementing the viewfinder, the manufacturer refreshed its autofocus system with a noticeably quicker, more versatile and highly-customizable AF featuring 19 cross-type sensors. The introduction of video imaging to the DSLR format a few years ago started off as an unpolished add-on deep in the menu. However, the 7D has a refined moving-image support at 1080p or 720p resolution in a variety of frame rates, with cinematic, and manual controls. The video controls have been moved to within thumb's reach on the back of the camera next to the viewfinder, so you don't have to miss any of the action while digging through the menus anymore, Great job. The 7D's one glaring inadequacy, and one that Canon has struggled with for some time, is inaccurate and inconsistent white-balance performance in artificial light. In spite of that, the 7D is an outstanding shooter on nearly every level. So, if you don't need or want to spring for a full-frame DSLR, but want a tough, easy-to-use and ridiculously customizable camera that makes pro-quality images at an affordable price, then you'd be silly not to consider this camera. GO: Solid build and weatherproofing with pro-style feel in hand. Frame rate is sportshooter ready. Wireless control of external Speedlite flashes. 8 frames per second in RAW is fantastic. NO GO: Noisy pop-up flash motor. Quick-control dial on the back of the camera takes more effort to turn than previous Canon models. Auto white balance in artificial light. Retail: $1,700 (body only) 50 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
If all the riding you do is at tracks and you have had the occasion to fall over and bend or break a lever or had a shift pedal come loose you know it’s not too big of a hassle to get your bike back to the vehicle and make the repairs. Even if you get a flat and have to push your bike, the longest it is likely to take to get back is 10 to 15 minutes. If you are a trail rider and something like this happens, the consequences can be far more serious, you could be totally screwed and might even end up in a life threatening situation where you are stuck in the middle of nowhere with no way to get back to your vehicle. You think this could never happen! It does, we hear about it all the time. Dude goes out for an afternoon ride, gets a flat and is stuck. It could be you, unless you are one of the smart ones who plan ahead and carry a Tool Pack. Tool Packs come in many different shapes and sizes made by just as many different manufacturers. A favorite is the T6 from Motion Pro. I have been tried it for about six months now and find those minor adjustments that we would normally deal with on a trail ride or track can be made easily by reaching into the pack at the end of a lap or a rest stop. It has tons of room to carry anything you could image think you need from tire irons to spoke wrenches. All the tools can be purchase from the Motion Pro web site making the Tool Pack a snap to fill. Features include: • Constructed from heavy-duty 1680 denier nylon • Approximately 3000 cc capacity • Main fold out compartment is 3 1/4 in. L X 10 in. 1/4 in. W X 5 in. H (8.13 cm L X 25.63 cm W X 12.5 cm H) • Additional outer storage pocket is 2 in. L X 10 1/4 in. W X 5 in. H (5 cm L X 25.63 cm W X 12.5 cm H) • Non-slip textured backing • 2 in. padded belt with quick-release buckle • Adjust to fit waist 28 in. – 48 in. (70 cm – 120 cm) • Heavy-duty non slip belt tension sliders • Zippered side pockets and accessory web-belt loops • Adjustable wrap-around compression strap system, provides load control and holds additional gear • Removable multi-purpose work mat and map pouch with PVC backing 21 1/2 in. X 17 in. (53.75 cm X 42.50 cm) • Zipper, clear PVC map pouch, keeps your trail map clean • Exclusive, attached hide-away heavy-duty rain cover • Nylon construction with PVC backing attached and stows away easily in built-in closure compartment • Adventure Rescue Whistle / quick-release is a part of the wrap-around compression strap system (115 decibels) • Carabiner Compass, ABS carabiner body, 27mm liquid filled compass • High quality Motion Pro PVC logo patch • Specifically designed to hold Motion Pro trail tools Retail: $45.99 Use this link to get yours http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/partno/21-0001/
TECH
SECTION
ANTILOCK BRAKES ON MOTORCYCLES THE KEY TO REDUCING FATAL ACCIDENTS
T
he Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just released their study regarding the efficacy of antilock brakes for motorcycles. The Institute believes that antilock brakes for motorcycles should be standard on all motorcycles because they reduce fatal motorcycle accidents by up to 37% An analysis by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) of insurance claims filed after motorcycle accidents found that motorcycles with antilock brakes have 22% fewer accident claims for damage. In the past couple of years the number of motorcycle accident fatalities has gone up with more than 5,000 people killed in motorcycle-related accidents in 2008. The number of motorcycle deaths increased at the same time that car accident deaths were at their lowest in 50 years. One of the key factors in the increase in motorcycle fatalities is that more people are buying and riding motorcycles than ever before. In 2008, there were 7.7 million registered motorcycles compared to 4.3 million in 2000. Anti-lock brakes are a key component to motorcycle safety. Stopping a motorcycle is more difficult than a car because the front and back wheels usually have separate brake controls. Wheels can lock when a rider brakes hard. However, if a rider has anti-lock brakes, the motorcycle detects an impending lockup and can compensate so by reducing the braking pressure until the bike has traction.
52 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
THIEVE’S
CORNER
THIEVES ARE LESS
INTERESTED IN MOTORCYCLES,
REPORT REVEALS United States motorcycle thefts dropped 2.3 percent in 2008 compared to the year before, a new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) revealed today. A total of 60,763 motorcycle thefts were reported last year, down 2.3 percent from the 62,206 reported in 2007 and down 4.8 percent from the 63,828 reported in 2006, the research shows. July and August had the biggest number of thefts, opposed to December, January and February which had the lowest. Although causes for this decline aren’t mentioned - is it the economic recession or the good job policemen are doing? - the report included a total of 684 motorcycle brands, with Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Harley-Davidson the most attractive when it comes to the bikes thieves prefer to steal. Wondering what are the states with the highest theft rate? The survey says California, Florida, Texas, North Carolina and Indiana reported no less than 38.9 percent of the total figures. On the other hand, California, Florida, Texas, North Carolina and Maryland are the top five states when it comes to recovery of stolen motorcycles. “While overall thefts are down, recoveries are down as well, mirroring a trend that began in 2006 when the national recovery rate for stolen vehicles fell below 60 percent (59.0) for the first time in more than 10 years,” the report shows. “With bikes costing $20,000 and more, baby boomers and younger easy riders should take the time to learn how to protect their bikes.” Although official figures are not available at this point, the National Insurance Crime Bureau says car thefts have dropped as well in the United States.
54 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
XDL Lake Havasu at the speedway at SARA Park for round 2 XDL freestyle stunt bike show at Havasu 95 Speedway. The XDL show is made its second appearance in Lake Havasu City. In its fifth season, the XDL series has grown from three events to its current six-event series. The Havasu competition is the second round in the 2010 season. XDL competition is riders stunting on a motorcycle. Riders will compete in categories: sickest trick, the K&N Circle Challenge, The FMF Cup, the Team battle, the Aprilia All-Star Challenge and the freestyle burnout. This year XDL added the Sartso Women’s Cup to accommodate the growing number of female riders. “Our field is 28 to 30 national competitors. Then we get about eight to 12 that will come out to the regional event closest to where they live. So we’ll see around 35 to 40 people competing,” said Grube. “We’ve got competitors coming from Japan and France.” The Friday FMF Cup qualifying session started with Nick “Apex”Brocha looking like he did in 2008, taking the top spot with a 75 point run that was 6.5 points higher than second place Cali Alliance rider Rick Hart. Brocha’s second run scored 73.5, which put him right back in contention for the lead, but only if he could back it up one more time. Meanwhile top contenders like Bill Dixon and Chris McNeil had already booked two solid runs and could afford to gamble on the last attempt. So for Brocha it came down to a choice in strategy. “My first run put me behind the eight ball. So now I need to decide whether I should go for broke to win it all or to play it safe and go for a podium so I am guaranteed some money.” Nick said. In the end he picked a happy medium and rode to a 72-point run that put him over the top by 2 points and gave him his first win since 2008. Bill Dixon suffered a crash in his third run, resulting in a DNF. Two-thirds of the way through a very difficult and potentially winning run, his kickstand came down accidentally, hitting the ground and causing Bill to high-side as he rotated left on his Yamaha. The impact broke his handle bar and it was game over. Still, Dixon had enough in the bank to take second. It was a excellent weekend for Bill with his first-ever win in the K&N Circle Challenge. Dixon Said “I feel great. I’m a bit sore from my crash but winning K&N was the highlight of my weekend. Nobody does sit down circles and I’ve been talking trash to everybody because I practiced a lot and I knew I could win if I could get it to lock in. I’ve never even been in the K&N Circle Challenge Finals. I’m super excited.” Dixon did a high-speed drift past the hot pits after he beat Brocha in the K&N Circle Challenge Finals, taunting fellow competitors and holding up the number one. 56 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
BMW rider Chris “Teach”McNeil on his 180hp BMW 1000RR, thrilled the crowds and had them holding their breath with his on the edge style. “The point of me riding a motorcycle is to make you think I’m gonna crash. Not The speed, the danger, or the smoke. That’s me. I love it. Havasu was the determination of my championship hopes. I already took my bye at Daytona so I had to do well. My third place here puts me right back in the hunt. Teach is back.” Outside of FMF Cup and the K&N Circle Challenge, Dan Jackson from Olathe, Kansas swept the top spots in Aprilia All Star Challenge, Speed & Strength Sickest Trick and Freestyle Burnout. The Aprilia All Star Challenge was a hotly contested battle with only 1.6 seconds separating Jackson winning time of 23.31 from Brian Bubash in second and Bill Dixon in third. Dan won the Speed & Strength Sickest Trick contest over Tony Carbajal with wide spreader circles that went from edge to edge. Sartso Women’s Cup saw Texas competitor Brandy Valdez qualifying for the national finals in Indy. CYCLEPATHMAG.COM
| 57
XDL
HAVASU
58 | CYCLEPATHMAG.COM