SportBikes Inc Magazine February 2011 (Volume 1, Issue 5)

ROAD RACING . DRAG RACING . STUNT RIDING

CUSTOM BIKES . MOTO TECH

FEBRUARY 2011 VOL 1 ISSUE 5

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM

THE UNSTOPPABLE

BEN BOSTROM SPORTBIKES INC MAGAZINE’S VIP LAUNCH PARTY | IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS | THE 2011 MISSION R | THOMAS DSOG EVANS | MEET YOUR REAR SHOCK

WHAT’S INSIDE

FEBRUARY 2011 - VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5

THE FEATURES

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THE 2011 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=12 MISSION R

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THOMAS DSOG EVANS

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: http://issuu.com/action/page?page=72 WHERE DOES MY BODY GO?

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BEN http://issuu.com/action/page?page=30 BOSTROM

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MOTO TECH: MEET YOUR REAR SHOCK

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SPORTBIKES INC MAGAZINE’S http://issuu.com/action/page?page=76 VIP OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY

THE USUALS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=6 6 EDITOR’S LETTER http://issuu.com/action/page?page=8 8 THE PRESS ROOM

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http://issuu.com/action/page?page=20 20 DEALER SPOTLIGHT - ALTUS MOTORSPORTS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=22 22 THE SHOW - KILLER KREATIONS, INC. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=26 26 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=29 29 THE GRID - ASK MELISSA http://issuu.com/action/page?page=38 38 THE HARDLINE - GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY By Rickey Gadson http://issuu.com/action/page?page=46 46 THE REV LIMITER NEWS - STUNT WARS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=58 58 THE LIFE

FEATURED CLUB FEATURED RIDERS

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=90 90 THIS LIFE - CABIN FEVER By Tyson Beckford http://issuu.com/action/page?page=92 92 FRICTION ZONE

NEW ISH STAFF STUFF

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FEBRUARY 2011

INTERACTIVE

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EDITOR’S LETTER THETEAM

Allan allan@sportbikesincmag.com 6 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

ART & DESIGN

EDITORIAL

I

have to say…we are looking pretty good.

That’s not coming from an arrogant perspective…just a real perspective. Last month, we had an incredible launch event at 1OAK Lounge in New York over the NY International Motorcycle Show weekend. I’ll keep it 100 with you; I got a little moist behind the eyes at the amount of love and support that was shown by those in attendance. I am thankful.

That entire weekend was nothing short of epic.

Many of you may know that my part time gig is Road Manager and Event MC for Jason Britton and Eric Hoenshell. I was on triple duty and loving every minute of it.

Friday started with three stunt shows followed by the launch event at 1OAK. SportBikes Inc also had a booth at the IMS. SBI Lifestyle Editor, Tyson Beckford’s interview and autograph session at the IMS went off without a hitch and he represented himself and SBI flawlessly.

Saturday, I quickly recovered to MC four stunt shows and provide SBI booth support as well. I also helped out my good friends, Ice T and Coco for their scheduled appearance and autograph session that afternoon.

Sunday saw only three stunts shows and SBI booth support as the IMS came to a close.

What a weekend!

Shout out to my wife, Diesel, Tommy Campion, Leon Brittain and Baz for holding down the booth all weekend long.

As a matter of fact, shout out to the entire SBI team for holding me down. None of this is possible without each of you.

And that’s what I mean by saying that we are looking pretty good. My team is strong and getting stronger. This month, we welcome a new contributor, Brittany Morrow. Her words speak for her, so be sure to check out her interview with Thomas “DSOG” Evans on page 48.

Yep. I’d have to say we are looking pretty good and getting better looking by the minute.

We hustle hard because it’s all that we know.

We ride hard because there is no other way to ride.

Editor-in-Chief: Allan Lane Drag Racing Editor: Rickey Gadson Lifestyle Editor: Tyson Beckford Moto-Tech Editor: Mark Rozema Contributing Road Race Editor: Melissa Paris Contributing Riding Editor: Eric Wood Copy Editor: Amy “Diesel” Lane Staff Writer: Lisa Macknik Contributing Writer: Brittany Murrow Art Director: Leon Brittain Graphic Designer: Baz Staff Photographer: Meekail Shaheed

SportBikes Inc Magazine — February 2011 Volume 1, Issue 5 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2011 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.

SportBikes Inc Magazine (ISSN 2158-009X) is published monthly by Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment.

Any and all items submitted to SportBikes Inc Magazine will become the sole property of SportBikes Inc Magazine and are subject to, but not limited to edits, comments and titles.

In no way can any part of this magazine be reproduced in print, digital, broadcast or any other manner without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

SportBikes Inc Magazine is not responsible for any advertising claims made by its advertisers or partners.

Sportbikes Inc Magazine, staff and partners are not responsible for injuries, loss or damage to their being, vehicle or property, including death that may result from contest submissions.

THE PRESS ROOM

Words: Allan Lane

THE 2011 TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675R is boasting the new 2011 Ttrackriumph Daytona 675R as the ultimate day tool.

Loaded with Brembo 4 piston radial mono-block front calipers, fully adjustable Ohlins 43mm front forks and an Ohlins TTX36 twin tube monoshock with piggy back reservoir, 124 braking horsepower and 53lbs of torque, the 675R makes a sturdy argument to prove the point.

MSRP: $11,999.

AVON MOTORCYCLE TYRES CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

hat began as a rubber goods factory W transformed into a motorcycle tire manufacturer in 1911 and they haven’t looked back

Avon has a number of activities and events planned for 2011 to celebrate their first 100 years.

since. Throughout their centennial, Avon has accrued many accolades and has been the tire Check out their site for the schedule of events: of choice to Mike Hailwood, Mike Duff and Barry Sheene. www.avonmoto.com/news

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THE PRESS ROOM THE DESMO PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION BY ELIZABETH RAAB ou may remember Elizabeth Raab’s Y work from the October 2010 SportBikes Inc feature on her photography.

Raab also shot the November cover of SportBikes Inc as well as the 848EVO feature in the same issue. Her work is breath taking to say the least.

Raab and Ducati have teamed up to offer the world an opportunity to own 16 images of Raab’s work via the Desmo Collection. Each piece is reproduced in numbered editions and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

“I’ve approached and juxtaposed the abstract qualities of the organic and mechanical female forms, highlighting both the complexity in design and emotion of this established Italian motorcycle. I’m exploring the many relationships between the designed and the natural. The lines of the mechanical body reflecting the lines of the organic form it was designed after. The unique color palette of the motorcycle extends from the

framework to her hair, eyes reflecting the power of the engine hidden underneath the smooth exterior. She is in a sense, an extension of the bike herself.” - Elizabeth Raab. www.ducatiart.com/category/desmo

DUCATI UNVEILS THE 2012 MONSTER 1100EVO

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he original Ducati Monster 900 made its debut at the 1993 Chicago Motorcycle show and the bar was set.

18 years later at the 2011 New York International Motorcycle Show, the world was enlightened with the Monster evolved: the 2012 1100EVO. The Monster 1100EVO is the first air cooled Ducati to achieve 100 horsepower. That’s some serious power alone. Add the 76 pounds of torque and you realize the strength contained in this machine. Weighing in at 373 pounds, the 1100EVO offers the best power to weight ratio in the Monster’s history.

The ergonomics have been redesigned to offer the rider greater comfort while the Ducati Safety Pack has been added to increase rider 10 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

safety and includes traction control and ABS. Most notable are the redesigned mufflers.

MSRP: $11,995.

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Words: Allan Lane Photos: Courtesy of Mission Motors

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T H E M I S S I O N R SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 13

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et’s get right into it. The Mission R is sexy. That’s not a big deal in perspective of the current state of motorcycle aesthetics. However, what makes this a considerable big deal is the fact that the Mission R is an electric bike.

attack-stance ergonomics of the Mission R. James Parker’s contribution, the RADD-designed Quad Element Frame is an integral factor for seamlessly balancing the weight and mass of the large EVT battery pack.

Over the last few years, the development of electric motorcycles has produced a line of models direct from Dr. Frankenstein’s lab. Most of them were amalgams of various frames and bodywork from other manufacturers.

Visually, it was a period of bad science projects.

Constructed of billet aluminum and chrome moly, the frame houses the power unit and battery box as a fully stressed and semi-stressed members, respectively.

POWER Do not be fooled by the term “battery pack”. Mission Enter Mission Motors. Although they may started Motors’ tech department, Mission Electric Vehicle out in the same direction as the aformentioned, they Technology (EVT) has developed a full competitioneventually found the harmony of form and function. ready race power source. It produces 141hp and What began in a San Francisco garage in 2007 14.4kwh. The 3 phase AC Induction motor produces has blossomed into the most visually pleasing electric 115lbs of torque at the crank (0 – 6400rpm). superbike, the Mission R. The Mission R is also equipped with a 100kw control THE BODY for the motor with an integrated Vehicle Management Motonium’s Tim Prentice designed the aggressive, System, allowing the rider to customize braking and

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throttle maps - not to mention the 3G and WiFi connectivity capabilities.

It is a single-gear, liquid-cooled machine. But that single gear sees top speeds of 160 mph plus.

The battery itself is a lithium-ion polymer. The Mission R is equipped with an onboard charger that allows for standard wall socket recharging. A 220 volt outlet will charge the battery from empty to full in two hours while a 110 volt outlet takes 8 hours.

SUSPENSION The Mission has fully adjustable Ohlins FGR-000 TTX25 gascharged forks in the front. The rear suspension is composed of a single-sided billet aluminum swingarm and an adjustable Ohlins TTX36 shock and a progressive linkage system.

BRAKES Stopping power is compliments of the two Brembo two-piece billet four piston 30/34 mm differential bore radial mount calipers and two 320 narrow band stainless steel rotors at the front.

In the rear, the Mission R has a Brembo HPK two piston 34mm caliper and a 245 mm stainless rotor.

WHEELS AND RUBBER The Mission R sits atop Marchesini forged magnesium 10 spoke wheels fitted with race slicks.

The front wheel and tire measures 17 x 3.5 and 120/70 ZR-7.

The rear is 17 x 6 and 190/60 ZR17.

DATA ACQUISITION A nice feature on the Mission R is the ability to capture ride data in real time and in detail. This data includes: speed, location, throttle position, lean angle, motor current, battery voltage and battery efficiency.

PURPOSE Mission Motors set out to create the ultimate zero emission motorcycle that was more than just good for the planet. They wanted to and have achieved creating a product that is “green� without sacrificing performance and style.

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2011 MISSION R

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The effect that fuel-driven vehicles have on the planet is known and evident. But it is still an uphill battle to convince the typical rider that electric bikes are even worth a consideration. Look at the car industry and their struggle to push the electric car and the benefits of that technology. So how does an electric bike manufacturer showcase the abilities and benefits of a “green” bike?

They race it.

motorcycle set the national top speed record for an electric motorcycle at the Bonneville Speed Trials.

Will there ever be a day when we will see a Mission R or any other electric powered bike next to the traditional fuel-driven machine on a full race grid? It remains to be seen.

What I like about Mission Motors is that they are making a sincere effort and are proving their argument, In 2009, Mission Motors competed in the Zero/Clean by leaps and bounds. They have manufactured an Emissions Grand Prix, the TTXGP at the Isle of Man. aesthetically appealing motorcycle that puts up pretty The first race of its kind. impressive numbers all things considered. They have a long road ahead of them but I’m sure that they will In the fall of 2009, Mission Motor’s Mission One enjoy their ride.

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BELLS AND WHISTLES SPECIFICATIONS

2011 MISSION R MissionEVT 100kw controller with integrated Vehicle Management System | Adjustable throttle mapping | Regenerative braking | Comprehensive Data Acquisition | WiFi & 3G data connectivity | 141 Horsepower | 115 lb-ft Torque at the crank | Top speed of 160 plus mph

Engine:.................................................... Liquid-Cooled 3 Phase AC Induction Horsepower:............................................ 141 Torque: . ................................................. 115lb-ft (0-6400rpm) Transmission: .......................................... Single-Speed, Gear-Driven Primary Reduction Final drive:............................................... Chain Frame:..................................................... RADD-designed Quad-Element Frame Swingarm:.............................................. Single sided billet aluminum with linear wheelbase/chain adjustment Front suspension: . .................................. Ohlins FGR-000 TTX25 Adjustable Gas Charged Fork Rear suspension:...................................... Ohlins Adjustable TTX36 Shock and Progressive linkage system Front brakes:........................................... 2 x 320mm Narrow Band Stainless Discs, Radially Mounted Brembo 2-Piece Billet .............................................................. 4 Piston 30/34 mm Differential Bore Calipers Rear brakes:............................................ 245mm Stainless Rotor, Brembo HPK 2 Piston 34mm Caliper Front Wheel: . ......................................... Marchesini Forged Magnesium 10 Spoke, 17 X 3.5 Rear Wheel: . .......................................... Marchesini Forged Magnesium 10 Spoke, 17 x 6 Front Tire: .............................................. SuperBike Slick/Race Compound, 120/70 ZR17 Rear Tire:................................................ SuperBike Slick/Race Compound, 190/60 ZR17

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DEALER SPOTLIGHT

Words: Allan Lane Photos: Courtesy of Altus Motorsports

Dealership name: Altus Motorports | Address: 2116 East Broadway, Altus, OK 73521 Hours: 9am - 6pm Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 5pm Saturday, Closed Sunday - Monday | Year established: 1988 Brands sold: Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and KTM

A

ltus Motorsports specializes in fun! So much so that the Oklahoma dealership has adopted the phrase, “We specialize in fun!” as their motto.

They are heavily involved with their community and host rides to benefit the local cancer center, the community food bank and Susan G. Komen for the Cure to name only a few. They have even donated a Kawasaki Mule to the neighborhood

high school’s athletic department.

The dealership is spread over 26,000 square feet, inclusive of their service and parts departments as well their showroom.

If you find yourself in Altus, Oklahoma be sure to visit the team at Altus Motorsports whether you are in the market or just window shopping. The staff there has a way of making you feel at home.

Contact Info: www.altusmotorsports.com

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us.pirelli.com

Troy Bayliss III Time World Superbike Champion

EVERYDAY IS A RACE DAY. DIABLO ROSSO™ Corsa. Every corner is pure excitement. Stable in braking, precise in line, fast on exit and the throttle beckons to be opened again. A riding experience Pirelli brings to the road directly from the Superbike World Championship. From the rear tire’s three zone differentiated compound and EPT technology that optimizes the contact patch, exceptional performance is guaranteed both on the road and on the track. DIABLO ROSSO™ Corsa: every day is a race day.

THE SHOW

Words: Lisa Macknik Photos: Courtesy of Fred Sicolo/Killer Kreations

Fr e d S i c o l i A

n artist speaks in his own language. A language which challenges the mind to visualize, interpret and then create an opinion of the piece of work. Freddie Sicoli of Killer Kreations Inc., is an artist who has us hypnotized; creating mind-bending accents and portraits that nearly come to life.

KILLER KREATIONS INC’S FRED SICOLI AT HIS SOUTH PH I L A D E L PH I A ST U D I O

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He is a pioneer of his craft, making his start before anything was “chromed out” and 40’s were still kept chilled in the fridge. Starting out of an art studio in his house, Freddie began to teach himself how to airbrush on tees and canvas until one day his dad gave him a proposition- to paint a Harley. At first he was reluctant to take on such an unfamiliar project, but once the strokes began to lie, he realized that this new medium may be his new calling.

Attending the Creative Arts School in Philadelphia gave Freddie the full

spectrum of education. Not only did he learn in the classroom, but also gained some valuable business tips from his superiors. Selling more of his self-made tees than the school did, caused some waves, but no one can punish the entrepreneurial spirit.

Soon Sicoli decided to take his art to the streets, but he did it a little different than most. He went to local businesses and pitched the idea of creating murals on their space instead of random tags. Most were receptive, while others remained skeptical. He kept on grinding until finally the time had come for everything to come together, and Killer Kreations Inc. was born.

Because his business is based on what the customer wants, what is “in” directly affects Freddie’s work; from mini-trucks to imports to bikes and back again. The ever-changing fads allows for artistic expansion and

T h e K i l l e r. . . H i m s e l f

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THE SHOW

Fr e d S i c o l i - T h e K i l l e r. . . H i m s e l f

a chance for lots of practice. They say practice makes perfect and there is no doubt that Freddie has that down.

The challenges are all so different with each body of work, but focusing on bikes in particular Freddie admits, “There is always a different theme on a different shape. No two bikes are the same.” This proves how versatile of an artist one must be to be able to adapt and conquer flawlessly.

Every artist has a muse, an inspiration for their creativity. Freddie draws inspiration from many variables, but one in particular is a Japanese pin-up artist, Sorayama. Both artists share the power of creating “super-realism” in their work. Developing his own style is what has made his work so captivating, and we aren’t the only ones who’ve noticed. Kat Von D, Bam Margera and

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Danny Bonaduce have all taken a piece of Freddie’s work home with them. On an average turnaround of 4 to 8 weeks, it’s only a matter of time before his work will have flooded the streets.

Killer Kreations Inc. has collaborated with several sponsors over the years, maintaining vital relationships with DUB Magazine and Pro Stunt Rider, Eric Hoenshell, to name a few. The idea of networking and gaining exposure, despite the monetary get back, is well accepted and utilized by Freddie and his killer team. Traveling from coast to coast to shows and events, gives Killer Kreations Inc. a chance to be seen and talked about.

Now with talks of a reality TV show and a huge change in their online merchandising, everyone will have a chance to really see what this company is all about, and witness how the art comes to life.

E M A N A T ’ N S I TOYZ

G N I R A RO .

N O I S S A P IT’S A

didn’t last? uff broke? Or st if re ca ’d em? Who and that’s anted cheap, Who’d need th w t. e is w ex e t us n’ ld ca e be d wou no one to blam men who care excuses and tors and crafts no va ve no ha in d d e’ an ork? W it’s going to artists are simple: if needed it to w for price, the s u le ilt yo ru bu n e he st th p. , w ju ea re st as with ch e custom uct w ound he failed ju costs that go If every prod ucts that defin as cheap? Or , craftsmen. Ar en od w rs dd it pr to hi e e va e th us no th of ca l in , y al be p tists out , man Or looked chea , too late, we found out ab e. We’re the ar custom sportbikes. In fact en your alternativ of Th re g t. e’ in C W go nn e f. gi w uf t be st e wha good er saw our CN Since th d creates the cause if you ev orth. er a decade. an Be ov s . r el fo gn fe it si d at de an en YZ be n see ey’s w ROARING TO r best. We’ve e anybody ca for: your mon it better be ou you a differenc Roaring Toyz name stands s ve gi it e us get our name, . . Beca t that e created here cause it has to ing, you’d really know wha sportbikes wer little more. Be ch a at u w yo e st er w co will others n with quality rt like their m Our obsessio details of a pa st ie tin e th t ea craftsmen sw re not on it. long. And we’ is t lis e th p, ea If you want ch

?

E M O S WANT

Your call.

CASE IN POINT:

RACE-TOUGH SWINGARM EXTENSIONS

So meticulously crafted for strength and fit, they’re trusted in pro drag racing where the smallest problem means You lose! I Proven on 300-500 HP bikes I CNC-machined from aircraft-quality billet I Extends your rear tire from 2.0” to 8.0” I Stunning Black-anodized or raw-billet finish I Comes with all hardware for bolt-on installation I Works with all late-model sportbike brake systems I Complete kits - with extended chain and stainless brake line - also available I You are cleared for lift-off.

Buy with trust, confidence and personal help at www.roaringtoyz.com or call 941.953.4423

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THE GRID: NEWS

Words: Allan Lane Photos: Courtesy of MotoGP.com, Chaz Davies, Luca Scassa and Melissa Paris

JORGE LORENZO WILL RACE WITH THE NUMBER ONE PLATE FOR 2011 Reigning MotoGP Champion Jorge Lorenzo will be rocking the Number One plate this season. This will be the first time a Yamaha MotoGP rider has worn the Number One since Wayne Rainey defended his World Championship title in 1993.

“I am very proud because you have to work very hard to have the option to wear it. I have been lucky with my design because the No 1 works really well with my JL initials, maybe with different letters it would have been difficult to make it look right, I hope my fans will like it! I won’t forget my No 99 this season, it will be there somewhere on my leathers because No 99 is in my heart. It was a difficult choice to change my number but I have earned the right for this unique opportunity to wear it.” - Jorge Lorenzo

ROSSI TESTS HIS SHOULDER AT MISANO ON AN 1198SP Seventy three days after surgery on his right shoulder, Valentino Rossi was on board an 1198SP at the Misano circuit to test the strength of his shoulder. Rossi cranked out a total of 25 laps.

The results: “The shoulder is painful—especially under braking, when the front area hurts, where they stitched the tendon. Movement is stable enough, and we’re also doing not so bad with endurance, but apart from that, it hurts a lot and isn’t very strong.” - Valentino Rossi.

For more sportbike news and announcements:

VISIT THE SPORTBIKES INC BLOG

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THE YAMAHA R6 RETURNS TO WSS WITH CHAZ DAVIES & LUCA SCASSA Chaz Davies and Luca Scassa will pilot the Yamaha R6 on the WSS grid for the 2011 Yamaha ParkinGO Team.

MPH RACING ANNOUNCES HT MOTO YAMAHA AS 2011 TITLE SPONSOR SportBikes Inc Magazine’s own Melissa Paris has formerly announced HT Moto Yamaha as her title sponsor for 2011.

The California based HT Moto is the manufacturer of performance traction products that includes tank pads, seat covers and race seats. HT Moto is distributed through Parts Unlimited, Western Powersports and GYTR. “I am so excited to be working with HT Moto for 2011.

I’ve been using their tank pads and seat covers since they were still in the development stage,” Says Melissa Paris. “It’s awesome to be working with a company that makes a product that I believe in so much. HT Moto’s traction products make riding the motorcycle so much easier, because you aren’t constantly fighting just to stay on it.”

CHAZ DAVIES “We managed to reach a mutually satisfying agreement with Yamaha Motor Europe in just ten days time. Having the opportunity to work with a manufacturer that has racing in its philosophy makes a big difference. I shared this important decision with the whole team. Chaz Davies and Luca Scassa are professional riders and are looking forward to having the chance to win the World Supersport Championship with a very competitive Yamaha R6!” – Giuliano Rovelli, Yamaha ParkinGO Team owner.

Vice President and General Manager, Max Battaglia speaks about the exciting partnership. “The sky is the limit with Melissa. Not only is she a great representative of the sport, she’s a dedicated and determined athlete as well. I know when she puts her mind to something she gives it her all and goes beyond 100% and thats the attitude we’re looking for. Those willing to do what others say is impossible. I have complete confidence that 2011 will be the year for Melissa and we’re excited to be part of it.”

LUCA SCASSA

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? ?

ASK MELISSA ?

THE GRID

Photos: Paul Bryant

Every month, SBI’s Road Race Contributing Editor and AMA Pro Racer, Melissa Paris will select a few questions from our readers and answer them. If you would like to have Melissa answer your questions about racing, riding, training... anything bike related, send her an email at melissa@sportbikesincmag.com.

Norman Garrett (Willingboro, NJ): Do you have in mind that the fastest riders are usually on the side any aspirations to ride up in the Super Bike Class? of the tires the least. If a school isn’t an option for you, try asking one of the faster guys at a local Melissa: That’s a good question! I think right now, track day to show you some ideas. That can help I’m pretty focussed on the 600 program. I still have give you a general idea of entry and exit points. a lot to achieve in this class right now! I don’t think As far as getting on the gas more, one thing that I would ever seriously consider a move up until I will help is to get your eyes up and looking further had some serious success in the 600 class. Besides down the track. Doing this will “slow things down” that, I still am not actually sure if I would have the and give you more time to make decisions. For me, physical strength necessary. There are times now I always try to find a definitive brake marker. Once where I even struggle on an R6... so I think I would you are braking at the same point each lap, it gets worry about that a little bit! That’s not to say I don’t easier to gradually move that marker further and welcome a challenge! I guess time will tell. further into the corner. I hope that helps!

Mo Rhodes (Fairfield, CT): What are some suggestions you could offer to focus on riding consistent “tight lines” through the track while also getting on the gas more and pushing hard enough to need the brakes? How can I also incorporate body position into this?

Melissa: Wow, you pretty much hit all the angles there! A good place to start is with a track or race school. Of course, the Yamaha Champions school is always a great bet as is American Supercamp. It’s hard to explain to someone how to choose good lines, in an article. A good rule of thumb is to keep

“

As far as getting on the gas more, one thing that will help is to get your eyes up and looking further down the track. Doing this will “slow things down” and give you more time to make decisions.” –MELISSA PARIS SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 29

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BEN BOSTROM

AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE Words: Lisa Macknik Photos: Courtesy of Michael Jordan Motorsports

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THE GRID: BEN BOSTROM he law of inertia says, “An obTmotion.” ject in motion tends to stay in Now what if that object were moving at speeds reaching 200 mph? How would you stop it?

You couldn’t.

Ben Bostrom is one of the AMA’s best all around motorcycle racers. Strapped on the back of a GSXR-1000, like a rocket in route to the moon, there is nothing that can stop him.

Born in sunny California, Ben began life with competition in his blood and fuel in his veins. At the early age of 4, he received the best gift a kid could ask for, a Honda Z-50, but there was a problem; the bike outweighed

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him, making it nearly impossible to pick up. His spirits were lifted when he received a better suited JR-50 which he could ride with ease. This experience began his journey to become a professional athlete.

The human mind is thought to be the most vulnerable during childhood. Introducing an idea can alter and influence a life in the most powerful way. For Ben, it was the 1971 Bruce Brown film, “On Any Sunday” that changed his world. The “most exciting film ever made on the motorcycle sport” featured high speed desert drifting, quarter mile wheelies and plenty of spills in between. This film was a staple in Bostrom’s life and began his fascination for the sport of motor-

cycle racing.

The beginning of Bostrom’s career was anything but smooth sailing. Working and driving around the clock just to make it to the next race only to gain a small amount, if anything, can really start to chip away at one’s morale. Just at the point of breaking, Ben dug deep and found the one thing that would keep his dream alive; Perseverance.

That persistence began to pay off when in 1993 Bostrom was named AMA Dirt Track Rookie of the Year and it was only up from there. After transitioning to road racing, Ben became a regular on the podium. Riding for domestic team Honda up until 1999, he then decided to experience

the Italian way of life. Ducati welcomed Bostrom and the team continued on with 7 years of successful racing in the World Superbike series. In 2007, he decided to go back to his roots, so he jumped aboard a YZF R6 Yamaha and rocketed to the top of the podium in the AMA. From 2007 to 2010, Ben continued to dominate the AMA Superbike series finishing with a fifth place finish for Pat Clark Motorsports.

Growing up with two brothers means constant competition. “Even if we were skipping rocks, I’d still want to throw farther.

Competition is what drives you”. On the track, “I keep my head down, chin up and I’m racing the guy next to me no matter if it’s for first or 5th.” Bostrom is addicted to that blood pumping feeling of battling side by side, riding on “the edge of disaster. It’s almost like a drug. It makes me really feel alive.”

The most memorable moment on the track for Ben was the moment he realized that this was exactly where he was meant to be. Finding himself staring at the back of his competitors’ jerseys at the X Games, Ben had an epiphany. He had found his place and something changed within him a force to reckon with. So he charged past his competitors, clinching the gold medal.

Bostrom is focused; he is hungry; and he is convinced that he is, the missing piece to the Michael Jordan Motorsports (MJM) team. Seasoned in all realms of racing, Ben joined the MJM team for the 2011 season, completely enthralled with the notion of bringing home a Championship.

He admits, “I had no idea how good they were. They are limitless. If you need it, they make it.”

Changing teams can be a definite challenge. Not only does the rider have to form new bonds with his team, but he also must relearn the ways of a new machine. For Ben, going from a Yamaha to a Suzuki was like night and day. Never having raced a Suzuki he explains, “These two bikes are the furthest from each other. When you have been on one build for a few years, you learn to know the bike. You know exactly how it moves through a turn.”

THE GRID: BEN BOSTROM

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To make matters even more challenging, Mother Nature has been anything but cooperative in 2011 and time is ticking down to the first race in Daytona this spring. The team has been anxiously waiting to begin tweaking and perfecting the bike so that the season can begin with a slam dunk.

Ben understands everything about motorcycle racing, even things that some wouldn’t even consider, like nutrition. “The body is an amazing machine. You must fine tune it.”

This is what gives Bostrom the edge. He

fuels his body in perfect harmony with the machine beneath him.

Ben has a deep seeded passion not only for racing, but for life. His advice is simple yet all too often overlooked, “Please, live and have fun! It’s worth giving up money and possessions. Life is very short.” The wisdom to realize the fleetingness of life and the insignificance of material possessions is obtained by few. Bostrom is the essence of a Champion, an athlete to his core, and nothing can extinguish the raw passion for the sport that he possesses.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 35

THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

Photos: Courtesy of Alan Schmidt

NAME: Alan Schmidt AGE: 38 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association GOALS: Travel through life at 180 miles per hour.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 7 Consecutive (and current) OMRRA #1 plate holder and 2010 OMRRA Formula Ultra Champion DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: 100% determination to achieve whatever my current task at hand is.

CONTACT INFO: www.schmidtastic.com

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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 37

THE HARD LINE: GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY

Words and Photos: Rickey Gadson

t was a Saturday morning and the Spring of 1984 was upon us. It was then Ifranchise that I received a most memorable phone call. Alex Baynard, a Midas Muffler business owner from Norristown, Pennsylvania, asked me to meet him at his friend’s dealership to discuss what every racer dreams of...

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SPONSORSHIP! When it was all over, I had secured my first sponsored ride, complete with a fresh set of Bates custom leathers (with my name on it) and a fully prepped Honda V65 Magna (1100) prepared by a legend.

Eraldo Ferracci would work side-by-side with me and Alex to build the world’s fastest drive shaft V-twin. That year, we finished inside the top ten in NMRA’s super gas class.

All I ever needed was the opportunity...

After graduating from high school, I seemed to be in a position of power. I had established myself on the track as a power house and was continually being groomed by my older brother,

Skip (Richard’s dad), who himself was a legend on the street racing scene along with my adopted brother, Pierre Elliott. (They used to make lots of $$$$.) After an extensive stint, street racing just about every weekend for years, (on just about every kind of motorcycle), another man’s love of bikes and belief in my capabilities, would turn into yet more street racing, but more importantly, my first crack at showing the motorcycle world what I was made of.

In early 1990, I would meet my late brother, Skip’s friend, Wallace King, who was also a friend of my late father.

This man would single-handedly help launch my professional drag racing career by believing that if given the right equipment, I had the ability to “Shock the world”.

And shock the whole drag racing

world, we did!!

At the season opener in 1991, Wallace bought for me the current world champion’s Pro Comp drag bike - an intimidating alcohol turbocharged car tire drag bike Suzuki that had established the world record in 1990 by covering the 1320ft dragstrip in just 7.42 seconds. On my very first pass on a turbocharged motorcycle, I proved that I can ride anything on 2 wheels by setting both ends of the record (7.33s, 178mph) and winning the race.

By the end of that weekend, I was leading the points in my effort to win my 1st Pro Championship.

Not only did I win the championship but I did it in style, by winning more races than any other established pro-racer.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 39

THE HARD LINE: GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY

I also won the Pro rookie of the year award in the AMA Prostar division.

All I ever needed was the opportunity...

Several years later…yet another man’s belief in my abilities would carry me across the most monumental threshold imaginable. In 1995, I crossed paths with one of the most influential men in my adult life.

A man by the name of John Hoover, who was the director of the motorcycle division at Kawasaki Motors Corp. was inconspicuously standing next to me in the grand stands while I was assessing the competition, when we struck up a casual conversation about the class I was racing in and watching. Keith Dennis was up on the line which is why I was in the stands because he

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was killing all of us in the 600ss class. That conversation ended up being the beginning of the life changing launch of my new drag racing career.

You see this was the pivotal person who could, and did, put me into the elite position of becoming a FACTORY drag racer.

The words FACTORY DRAG RACER had never been uttered before…ever...anywhere…by any other rider or with any other manufacturer, including Kawasaki.

The title “Factory rider” means that my day job is racing motorcycles and representing such a huge company!

All I ever needed was the opportunity...

As a young man working at

Ancora Psychiatric Hospital in NJ, I remember a time when I was sitting at a window day dreaming, (the year the space ship “Challenger” blew up), about wanting to be like magazine tester and then “King of the drag strip,” Pee Wee Gleason. I even wrote a letter to Cycle World Magazine explaining how I would love to be a guest tester, and would like to compare my skills to his (Gleason’s).

Some 20 years later, almost to the day, a factory drag racer known all over the world, would grace the cover as the first African American, and the only drag racer in history to appear on the cover of a major national publication like CYCLE WORLD Magazine.

And 27 years after following my friends to the drag strip for the 1st time, I have now made the cover

3 times..

drag racer in AMA history.

All I ever needed was an opportunity!

I am now in the position to represent some of the biggest companies in the motorcycle industry like Kawasaki, Monster Energy, Joe Rocket, and Motul Lubricants, as well as carry out my lifelong dream of teaching others my life experiences in racing thru

Now, I have captured 9 National Titles, competed, set national records and won races in other countries, as well as been recognized as the most winningest Pro

the Rickey Gadson Drag Racing School (rickeygadsondragracingschool.com), which is the only school of its kind in the world.

See you in the staging lanes... what a life!!

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 41

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: ON THE COME UP

Photos: Courtesy of Dystany Spurlock

NAME: Dystany “Ndyian Pryncess” Spurlock AGE: 18 Association/Affiliations/Series:

MIRock Series

NASLR

No Hatin’ Drag Racing Goals: My goal is to finish in top five if not number one in the “Crazy 8’s” class in the MIRock Series!

Another one of my goals is to help children that think that they can’t do something to believe that anything is possible!

Accomplishments: One would be that I take pride in the fact that I am running competitive numbers foot shifting at a time when most riders in drag racing are using some sort of mechanical shifter. The second would be setting a new low ET and high MPH on the Performance Center BMW! (1.48/3.77/5.62@132.52 MPH = 8.61@163.61 MPH) Define your passion in one sentence: My passion is Motorcycle Racing of any type!

CONTACT INFO:

www.facebook.com/DystanySpurlock

www.twitter.com/DystanySpurlock

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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 45

THE REV LIMITER: NEWS

Words: Allan Lane Photos: Courtesy of Adam Chumita

L R O

L F , O D AN

Individual Freestyle (L to R) Crazy Kyle 3rd, Bill D 1st and Luke Duke 2nd

T

Florida’s own Secret Weapon earned first place in the Sickest Trick event.

Yamaha Factory Freestyle Rider, Bill D achieved the hat trick as he captured first place in Individual Freestyle, Longest Endo and Stunt Cross.

“Stunt Wars 2011 was a great success!” says Stunt Wars Vice President, Adam Chumita. “Under new management, new President Chris Nichols and I are looking forward to making Stunt Wars bigger than ever.”

he “hottest show on one wheel” returned to Orlando this past January. A new location provided better spectator areas as well as improved surfaces for competitors.

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LONGEST ENDO

INDIVIDUAL FREESTYLE (Top 10) Position

Rider Name

Total Points

1

Bill D

86

2

Luke Duke

82.5

3

Crazy Kyle

82

4

Secret Weapon

81

5

Toni Prez

80

6

Brian Bubash

79.5

7

D Herz

75.5

8

Griffy

72.5

9

Dirty George

69.5

10

Boyd

68.5

Position

Rider Name

Distance

1

Bill D

355

2

Jesse

350

3

D Herz

302

4

Boyd

280

5

Toni Prez

245

6

Brian Bubash

217

7

Dave Cutler

171

STUNT CROSS Position

Rider Name

1

Bill D

2

Brian Bubash

3

Dirty George

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 47

THOMAS

D S O G EVANS Words: Brittany Morrow Photos: Rey Josue/Will Johnson/Nags

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THE REV LIMITER: THOMAS DSOG EVANS

T

homas Evans, aka DSOG, is the prodigal son of the street bike freestyle world. Operating both underground and in the limelight, Thomas has made some major strides in the industry while maintaining the status of OG to all who have come to know him. His work set the standard for professional competition in the US, creating the first ever stunt specific magazine, putting a huge spotlight on the athletes of this growing sport, and helping to make stunt history this past summer at the 2010 XGames.

His current well-known projects include the Stuntride Brand, XDL US National Stunt Championship Series, and United Stacks clothing among several other web projects.

SportBikes Inc Magazine wanted to know who the real Thomas is and what inspired him to build his empire. So we took a minute to dig and got a face full of dirt, courtesy of DSOG himself.

SBI - Do you consider yourself an OG? Why? Thomas - Different people have their own visions of what it means to be an OG. Either way, it’s not up to me to classify myself as one.

Yes, I have been called an OG in the streets, in the industry, etc… I see cats on the streets that I know are Triple OG. Do I classify myself with them? No. Thomas has a reputation for thoughtfulness about event details and fairness towards athletes that most would agree with. As far as his role as an MC, Thomas says, “I’m not really that great, I just make people laugh. I know stories and

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Toll Free: 888-497-4774 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 51

THE REV LIMITER: THOMAS DSOG EVANS history about riders that no one else knows. That’s irreplaceable.” Why does Thomas continue to be an industry leader in event promotion, competition coordination, and brand management? “I don’t kiss ass and I’m not scared to move forward with some new shit. I’m not fake. I’m not sensationalizing for the sake of a good story, I’m actually doing it. All the other guys get paychecks every Friday for what they do. I don’t. So, who is really doing it for the love?”

SBI - What got you interested in sportbike stunting in the first place?

Thomas - I’ve always been into motorcycles, wheelies, etc… But seeing Wink 1100 in the DMX video did it. There it was, on the main stage in a worldwide music video. That made me see that the dumb shit I was doing on the streets was the hotness.

SBI - Do you think stunt riding should also continue to stick to its roots and live on the streets?

Thomas - Of course. I still ride. I have a Big Dog Ridgeback Chopper, 2 Suzuki GSXR 600 streetbikes, and a Honda CBR F4i that is a stunt whore.

lighted several riders and profiled both Thomas and creator Randy Grube. Together, they have built quite the foundation for professional streetbike freestyle riders to not only showcase their talents, but also create corporate and factory relationships with some of the biggest brands in powersports while entertaining hundreds of thousands of fans every year. But it wasn’t always peaches and pie for Thomas, who began his self-made journey in South Carolina in 1996, where he owned a janitorial company before selling it and moving to California.

SBI - What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for stunt riding?

Thomas - I would still have my janitorial company and be getting a paycheck every week. I haven’t punched a clock since 1996. Still wouldn’t be kissing anyone’s ass though.

SBI - You have a reputation of being extremely jagged around the edges. Why do you think some people

view you this way?

Thomas - Because I am? I think it’s because I have a brash attitude and I just say what I say sometimes.

I just don’t like to entertain the same questions, or the SBI– Music videos and street riding to a national same ideas that a person has that I’ve heard a dozen championship series is a huge leap. What made times. As smart as you think you are, I’ve either heard, you realize the sport had the potential to become thought of, or maybe even implemented your idea mainstream and legitimized? before. Or I’d rather send a $20 refund to someone Thomas – I’d like to say that I always knew it had than deal with their whining. Or here’s a good one: potential, because there was never a “lightbulb” mo- There are 20 small clothing companies that come to ment for me in that regard. I just kept pushing. events I run and offer me shirts to wear. I reply “no The XDL National Championship Series was covered, thanks” and they always look at me funny. Now, I documentary style, on the Versus channel in 2010 in like them and I will definitely give them a shout out on a 6-part series called “Inside XDL.” The show high- the mic. But, who is the bigger asshole? The guy who

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takes the shirt while smiling and then never wears it, or the guy who is honest and says “No thank you.” To me, an asshole is the dude who just wasted my $20.

SBI- Do you plan on tackling any new large projects in the near future?

Thomas - My big plan right now is to get all of my current projects in line. I’m only running 50-70% on all of them. The way my mind works is a problem. I am really good at ideas and “doing” but I’m not that great at following up.

SBI - If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

Thomas - There’s a lot, but none of them affect my core being or place in life. Hindsight is dangerous.

When riding, you check your rearview to make sure you aren’t getting run over and to change lanes, and again when you get off the bike to make sure your

face is clean. People have to look at life the same way. Hindsight should be used to make sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes, to make sure you choose the correct new path and to ensure that you’ve learned something. I don’t dwell in the past.

SBI - What does it feel like to have thousands of stunt riding hopefuls and fans kiss your feet and worship you on a daily basis on your forum?

Thomas - I don’t see it like that and I really hope that no one else does, that’s just embarrassing.

SBI - Let’s say the world is ending in 2012... What is the one thing you hope to accomplish, before this happens, above all other things?

Thomas - Duh, getting my spaceship built.

When it comes to staying true to himself, Thomas has DSOG on lock. He has gained a large amount of SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 53

THE REV LIMITER: THOMAS DSOG EVANS

“

I have a brash attitude and I just say what I say sometimes. I just don’t like to entertain the same questions, or the same ideas that a person has that I’ve heard a dozen times. As smart as you think you are, I’ve either heard, thought of, or maybe even implemented your idea before.”

- Thomas DSOG Evans

respect from many leaders in both the stunt industry and the powersports industry as a whole by doing what he does best. He has created a stunt rider mecca with his Stuntride brand and is looked to for guidance and inspiration from even the best riders in the country. Who does he attribute his success to?

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His own hard work and dedication, his Mom, and everyone who, “stuck by during the struggle.” As far as we see it, this industry OG will be around a lot longer than most people might have initially expected, and that’s a darn good outcome for the sport.

THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP

Photos: Courtesy of Brandy Valdez

NAME: Brandy Valdez AGE: 21 Association/Affiliations/Series:

XDL Championship Series

Team Rebella

www.Wheelies4Kids.com Goals: I want to do well in all categories of motorcycles: dirt bikes, stunt bikes, drag bikes, track bikes, and whatever else my heart desires...I just have to take it easy on Daddy’s nice Harley. It would be awesome to get into stunt doubling for movies in the future but for now, inspiring people from all walks of life to have as much fun as I do with motorcycles makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Accomplishments: 2010 XDL Lake Havasu: only female to show 2010 XDL Los Angeles: 1st place finalist 2010 XDL X Games Demo: 1st place finalist 2010 XDL Finals @ Indianapolis: 2nd place finalist Define your passion in one sentence: Bikes have become more than an outlet to display my talent...it’s more of a need....like a lifestyle... although it becomes expensive sometimes haha.

CONTACT INFO:

www.BrandyValdez.com

www.twitter.com/Brandy_Valdez

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THE LIFE Featured Club

Full Tilt Riders MC

Chapter: Seattle and Tacoma, WA | Founded: 2004 | Members: 39 Elected Officials: President - OAK CD | Vice President - Mr. St. Louis | Road Director - Rooster Public Relations Officer - She Devil | Secretary - Doc B. Treasurer - Ty Geisen | Sergeant-At-Arms - Big

Rocker Interpretation: Riders riding as one, unity as a whole with an iconic landmark (Mt. Hood) to our backs.

History/origin of club: The Seattle/Tacoma chapter of FTR started with a couple of guys; Laurence Taylor (LT), Casey Jones (Sporty J) and Tyrone Cox (TyBusa) from Tacoma. These guys, who loved riding motorcycles and hanging out, ran across a group of riders, Greg Hall and his friends at the International Motorcycle Show whom they had previously met in Portland. At this second

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crossing, LT, Sporty J. and TyBusa noticed that Greg and his crew were sporting a new look; they had colors on! After conversing for a while about the new club, (Full Tilt Riders) the guys from Tacoma were interested in starting a chapter in the Seattle\Tacoma area, thus birthed the first FTR franchise. The Full Tilt Riders Seattle\Tacoma were established in the eSpring of 2004 and the rest is history.

Club milestones/memorable moments: At the 5 year anniversary, taking a moment to look out over the crowd of guests, riders,

non-riders, family and friends, they realized that a lot has happened in a short period of time. Numbers upward of about 500, all holding a glass of champagne, toasting tothe club’s success made it all worth it. The amount of respect the club had earned from both the motorcycle community and the general public makes it all worth it.

Future of the club: To one day see 2nd generation Full Tilt Riders representing the things that have madethem who they are; staying true to Family, Friends and the Full Tilt way of motorcycling.

www.kmispatches.com AD DESIGNED & PRODUCED BY OTLMP.COM

THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS Emily Clark

STATS

Seattle, WA

Police Officer

EMILY CLARK

YEARS RIDING: 1 Years RIDING STYLE: Street

BIKE(S) OWNED: 2009 Kawasaki ZX6R Monster Edition

FAVORITE BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: Two Brothers Racing M2 Carbon Black Series FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Alpinestars Stella SP-8 Gloves...in black and pink, of course.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Riding home from work at 4:30am... sun not up yet and no one on the road

FEATURED RIDER OF THE MONTH

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Cody Carson

Greeley, CO

Penhall Company Cutting Concrete

CODY CARSON

STATS YEARS RIDING: 16 Years RIDING STYLE: Street BIKE(S) OWNED: 2003 Ducati 620ie Monster FAVORITE BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: I would have to say my favorite mods on my Monster are my tail chop and LED belt cover.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My favorite pieces of gear are my lids.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Every year my dad does demo rides at Fay Myers in CO.On Sunday, we will take a couple of bikes off of the demo truck. I always go for the Ducati Hypermotard. We go for a cruise up into the Rockies. Those are the best rides.

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FEATURED THE LIFE: LIFE RIDER FEATURED FEATUREDRIDERS RIDERS Mo Rhodes

Fairfield, CT

Municipal

MO RHODES

STATS YEARS RIDING: 22 years

RIDING STYLE: 80% track, 20% street BIKE(S) OWNED: 2006 Kawasaki ZX636R, 2006 Suzuki GSXR 600 FAVORITE BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: Markbilt Re-Built Forks from Traxxion FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Joe Rocket Suit

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: NJMP with Mark Rozema, Dave Williams and Eric Stump in September 2010.

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Fiesty

Upper Marlboro, MD

Project Manager

FIESTY

STATS YEARS RIDING: 4 Years RIDING STYLE: Street BIKE(S) OWNED: 2007 Suzuki GSXR 600 FAVORITE BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: Pazzo Shorty Levers and M4 Titanium Slip-On Exhaust.

FAVORITE PIECE OF GEAR: My Arai Corsair RX-7 Helmet. It’s full of vents that keep my head cool on those hot summer rides. I also love my Alpinestars leathers. They make pants that fit curvy women.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: I have a serious need for speed so I have to say my most memorable ride was when I first saw 186 MPH racing a friend on a highway that will remain unnamed (lol). It was the best feeling to know I had achieved something some people can’t even fathom and will never do no matter how many years of riding experience they have under their belt. It cracks me up when my friend tells the story and people look at us like we grew a second head.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 63

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MOTO TECH

Words: Mark Rozema Photos: Courtesy of Ohlins USA

MEET YOUR REAR SHOCK rear shock absorber is a key Tandhepartcomfort to the overall performance of your motorcycle.

Let’s take a look at the most common designs and how they function.

THE EMULSION SHOCK The emulsion style shock absorber is the most cost effective to manufacture and in many OEM applications is not serviceable. The shock is very simply made up of an outer tube (body), and a damping rod (shaft) with a piston mounted on the end. The piston has a number of small holes through it covered by multiple thin metal shims. The body is filled with oil and then pressurized with nitrogen. When a bump is encountered the shaft forces the piston into the body through the oil. The oil flows through the small holes in the piston bending the shims away creating resistance. The resistance is called damping. The amount of damping is controlled by the size of the holes, the number and thickness of shims and the viscosity of the oil. This design is very limited in adjustability and performance.

The nitrogen pressure is added to these shocks to help reduce cavitation, a common problem with this design. Cavitation occurs at high shaft speeds when the piston is forced so quickly through the oil that it actually pulls the air molecules out of the oil, causing the oil to become foamy. Cavitation drastically reduces the performance of the shock absorber. This style shock also tends to run hotter because of its limited amount of oil capacity and the inefficient design of the piston generating excessive friction as the oil passes through it.

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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 67

MOTO TECH THE DIVIDING PISTON SHOCK The dividing piston style shock absorber improves the emulsion shock by adding a solid floating piston to divide the gas pressure from the oil. By separating the gas and oil and keeping the oil under pressure it is less prone to cavitation. The ability of the dividing piston to move under pressure also helps to make the shock more responsive to road conditions by helping to absorb some of the force of the oil as the shaft pressurizes it. Most of dividing piston shocks are rebuildable and benefit greatly from regular service and oil changes. Some even offer adjustability in the form of a needle and a jet located in the damping rod that allows oil to bypass the piston changing the amount of rebound damping. The needle is adjusted by a knob or screw at the bottom of the damping rod that moves the needle further into or away from the jet. This design still tends to run hotter due to the limited amount of oil capacity, but has a much longer service life due to its serviceability.

THE REMOTE RESERVOIR AND PIGGYBACK SHOCK The remote reservoir or piggyback style shock absorber improves the dividing piston shock by locating the dividing piston in a separate chamber.

REMOTE RESERVOIR

This design allows for a greater oil capacity, and additional surface area for a cooler running shock. Manufacturers can also take advantage of this design by adding a needle and a jet between the body and the reservoir giving the shock compression adjustability. For years this style shock has been the standard for high performance shock absorbers. Its ability to be both compression and rebound adjustable, resistant to cavitation, and run cooler make it an excellent choice for high performance applications.

PIGGYBACK

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THE TWIN TUBE SHOCK The latest design in commercially available shock absorbers is the twin tube technology. This design eliminates the common drawbacks of previous designs by completely changing the way the oil flows.

The piston is now solid with no shims on it and rides in a smaller tube inside the body. The shims are now attached to separate valves, one for compression and one for rebound that are mounted to the top of the body. When the piston travels through the shock, the oil is forced from the inner tube into the outer tube through the valves and then to the back side of the piston. The damping force

is adjusted by external knobs that add spring pressure to the shims. This fluid path helps the shock to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the piston for more consistent damping. This style shock retains the remote chamber for the floating piston and gas pressure for added oil capacity; reduced cavitation and less heat build up. This design is very easily serviced and allows for very quick revalving due to the external location of the valves. This design has become the choice for the top racers, and offers the highest level of performance, consistency and ease of service.

All of the aforementioned designs have a spring mounted around the body. The purpose of the spring is to carry the weight of the rider and motorcycle. Most of the models allow the tension on the spring to be adjusted; this is called a preload adjuster. The preload adjuster allows the rider to adjust for changes in load on the motorcycle such as adding a passenger or luggage.

Many higher end models even offer a remote preload adjuster. This allows the adjustment to be

made in a more convenient location than down at the shock body.

The proper maintenance of your shock is important for its longevity and performance. Over time the oil in the shock becomes contaminated, and the viscosity breaks down. Regular service and oil changes will assure that your shock will always perform at its peak and will extend the life of the shaft and seals.

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Markbilt Racing was founded in 1998 by Racer and motorcycle enthusiast Mark Rozema.

From its humble beginnings the Markbilt mission has always remained steadfast, to build and tune race winning motorcycles. Markbilt is proud to have been the driving force behind the success of such factory-backed teams as: Team Pepsi Suzuki, Celtic Racing Yamaha, Attack Kawasaki and Markbilt GYTR Yamaha. Markbilt has had the honor of working with many talented riders and winning over 23 regional and national championships including the prestigious Daytona 200. Markbilt proudly offers CNC manufacturing capabilities, welding, fabrication, engine & chassis shop and a fully featured Superflow chassis dynamometer and tuning center. At Markbilt, racing is a passion not a job.

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

Word and Photoss: Eric Wood

WHERE DOES MY BODY GO? he first several articles in this seTaspect ries each discussed a different of the process of preparing to go fast on the racetrack. This process begins with the gathering of a base group of reference points to get you around the track safely. Riders then analyze the racetrack to determine how to best maximize speed and lessen risk, resulting in a purpose driven apex and turn point for each corner.

These first steps are largely mental and do not require anything more than a rider who is competent and smooth with the controls.

The next steps to gaining speed and confidence involve planning

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your physical inputs to the motorcycle to maximize both traction and rider feedback. Last month’s article began to explore several factors that consume available traction as the motorcycle tracks through a corner. This article concluded that one of the most important things that a rider can do is to minimize handlebar input, particularly at full lean. This month we will discuss the most important things a rider can do to accomplish this goal.

When a motorcycle leans over, a rider must do something to support his own weight. This is most

obvious in a static demonstration in a classroom when there is no centrifugal force to help support the rider. If one person were to sit on a motorcycle in a typical riding position and several of his “friends” were to lean the bike over, that person would be forced to grab ahold of the motorcycle in order to stay on it. The further the motorcycle is leaned over, the more strength it will require to keep from falling off. When placed in this situation in a classroom, most people will sit with a majority of their weight in the seat and lock onto the fuel tank with both legs. This does a good job

of supporting lower body weight.

Since humans have a flexible spine (as long as you have not been racing too long) there is additional effort needed to hold up the upper body. Again, in the classroom, a majority of riders will support this upper body weight with their inside hand.

Unfortunately, many riders use these same techniques to support their body weight when riding on the racetrack. This creates a number of problems, but for now we will focus on those issues caused by weighting the inside hand.

Last month’s article pointed out that the faster a motorcycle travels around a given arc, the further it needs to lean. It also explained that in order to maximize traction and stability at greater lean angles, it is critical to minimize handlebar input. Now, with this classroom experiment in mind, the

problem truly comes into focus; many riders tend to put most weight on the bars at exactly the point that it is most important to minimize it.

There is a second, and equally important, reason to minimize the input on the handlebars at full lean. When riding a motorcycle, a vast majority of the feedback a rider gets comes through the hands. When something goes wrong (like an unexpected bump, tire chatter or locking up the front wheel), this event gets translated to the rider as a change in force in the handlebars. At higher lean angles, there is less time to make adjustments for these forces before traction is exceeded. Therefore, it is important to detect problems while they are still small.

For the sake of discussion, let’s imagine that Rider X is support-

ing half of his upper body weight with his inside hand. This is a very realistic scenario that I see in a sizable percentage of riders that I see at every school that I teach. At a slim 160 lbs, Rider X weighs 80 lbs from the waist up and is pushing on the inside bar with 40 lbs of force. The problem with Rider X is that not only is he putting 40 lbs of unnecessary load into the tire (consuming the corresponding amount of traction), but he has also greatly decreased his sensitivity to feedback. If the bike begins a slight front end push that produces a 10 lb change in handlebar feel, Rider X is unlikely to feel it. If the bars begin to get heavy as he rolls through the corner with a little too much speed, he will not feel it. These riders do not feel problems when they are small and correctable. Have you ever fallen down without knowing why it happened? This could be SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 73

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

one explanation.

Fortunately, the solution to this problem is simple. If supporting your body weight with your arms is detrimental then the answer is to use your legs as much as possible. In order to allow your legs to contribute to the support of your upper body a few adjustments must be made to your seating position.

If a rider sits with a majority of his weight on the seat (either centered or slightly off to one side) there is no leverage to support his upper body.

As a starting point, all riders should separate themselves from the fuel tank by at least 3-5 inches. Next, you should slide to the inside of the motorcycle until at least one butt cheek is completely off the seat. Throughout the entrance and middle of the corner (up until throttle application), the weight of the rider should be equally supported by the ball of the foot on the inside footpeg and the outside thigh on the fuel tank. Locking on to the tank with the outside 74 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

leg (at mid-thigh) is one of the critical keys to making this technique work, particularly in transitions. In addition, your inside knee should be pointing towards the inside of the track at a 30-45 degree angle and your spine should be parallel with the axis of the motorcycle.

take too much effort to complete the motion and support his weight. This is where individual anatomy and strength come into play.

In order to understand each of these details, I encourage all riders to put their motorcycle on a stable stand and test these principles out (with the support of a couple friends). With legs positioned properly, a rider should be able to support his entire upper body with his spine parallel to the axis of the motorcycle with no hands.

Another simple test is needed to understand the importance of keeping the inside knee pointed out (as opposed to against the bodywork).

Have the rider, while keeping his spine parallel to the axis of the motorcycle, move as far to the inside as he is comfortable with his knee sticking out well to the inside. Next, have him slowly bring his knee in until it is touching the bodywork. As riders lose the leverage of having the knee out, they are forced to transfer weight to the inside arm.

The importance of the mid-thigh outside leg connection becomes obvious when the rider moves quickly from side to side, gliding across the seat. If he is too close to the tank, the exertion from the outside leg will not move his body far enough to eliminate the use of his arms in the process. If he is too far away, it will

Supporting your weight with your legs is critical to your success on the racetrack. It will not only make you faster, but it will also give you considerably more feel while riding.

This article has just touched on the foundation for body position....there is much more to be discussed next time.

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FRICTION ZONE

Words: Allan Lane Photos: Leon Brittain/Max Kelly/Derek Snead

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past January, SportBikes Inc celebrated the Tthehisofficial launch of the magazine in style. During New York IMS weekend, SBI held an invite-

only VIP event at the premier night lounge, 1OAK in Manhattan. Joined by friends and supporters, the 200-plus in attendance, were treated to an open bar, music and dancing, which made the evening unforgettable.

Notable attendees were: Jason and Kendi Britton, Eric Hoenshell, AMA Superstar Eric Stump, Drag Racing Princess Dystany Spurlock, Elizabeth Raab and Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban.

SBI staff members also came out: Tyson Beckford, Rickey Gadson, Baz Shailes, Leon Brittain, Mark Rozema, Lisa Macknik and Amy “Diesel” Lane.

There were three special invited guests that really stole the show and I’d be remiss to not acknowledge them. They were the 2011 Ducati 848 EVO Dark, the 2011 Ducati 1198 SP and 2011 Ducati Diavel, courtesy of our great friends at Ducati North America. The entire Ducati North America team was in attendance to show support and join in the celebration. Ducati North America Brand Manager, Arrick Maurice, lead the guests in a toast to the successful and promising future of SportBikes Inc Magazine.

A special shout out to our event partners: KMIS Patches, Nice Cycle and Ducati. The event was a success and you all were a part of it. Thank you.

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THIS LIFE: ECU UPGRADES

Words: Tyson Beckford

will start around $500 and can increase with the different levels of horsepower gains, It is truly worth every penny, though, when you crack that throttle.

During the winter months is the best time to get the upgrade done because it could take a few weeks to complete and I’m sure when spring comes, you don’t want to miss a day of riding. Ride safe and look good while doing it, my fellow riders.

spend a lot of time reading and living my Ioften life as a tuner of cars and motorcycles and I find that the two worlds are similar! My

everyday car is a GT-R and everything I do to it, I find I can also do to my R1. Let me explain…

If I change my steering wheel, I can change my handle bars, tires, suspension and exhaust system… you get what I’m saying.

The same technology is pretty much there for both the cars and the motorbikes but what a lot of motorbike riders have not tapped into is the ECU (Engine Control Unit). There are two ways of performing an upgrade. One way is to do a swap with your factory ECU and send it to a tuner. Then they send you one with a program that is already in it and all you do is plug and ride. (They run a program of different stages to choose from that best fits your riding style.) The other option is to buy one that is already tuned with a stage that’s customized for your brand of motorcycle. With this option, you still have your factory ECU to switch back to anytime you want or if decide to sell your bike.

There are a few different companies that can do this for whatever brand of bike you ride, but understand this technology upgrade is not for the beginner! Performing this upgrade is for the advanced rider so don’t be “tryna do too much” as my baby mama would say to me, as she’s poppin’ her neck in her South Philly accent! But seriously - do your research and find the best tuner for your bike. It will make a huge improvement on your top end or your bottom end, depending on what your preference and riding skills are ready for. Keep in mind, too, that the cost of an ECU upgrade

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“

The cost of an ECU will start around $500 increase with the different horsepower gains” - Tyson

upgrade and can levels of Beckford

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THE NEW ISH

JOE ROCKET • “STUNT” T-SHIRTS Joe Rocket has a long pedigree in the safety gear market.

They have recently updated their casual apparel line with some cool graphic t-shirts.

Sizes: M - XXL Colors: Black, Charcoal, Black Price: $24.99 Contact: www.joerocket.com

ALPINESTARS • S-MX PLUS RACING BOOT The S-[MX Plus Racing Boot keeps getting better looking with every new version. This model is sleeker than its predecessor and comes with technical upgrades as well.

The S-MX Plus includes a Multi Link Control system that protects the ankle and the Achilles via advanced support that limits hyper torsion, hyper extension and hyper flexion.

They look good, are lightweight and offer better than average protection. The S-MX Plus is a dual-purpose boot serving the rider on the track and the street.

Sizes: 36-48 Euro Price: $349.95 Contact: www.alpinestars.com LOCKSTRAPS, LLC • LOCKSTRAPS LOCKING TIE DOWNS Lockstraps’ Tie Downs are equipped with locking carabiners that are a visible theft deterrent as well as an aid in keeping track of your straps. I can’t count how many times a set of tie woods have just walked away from where I left them.

Here is where the Lockstraps are really innovative: They are fitted with full length stainless steel cables that increase strength and security. Constructed with heavy duty nylon and industrial strength rivets, their load capacity is 1200 pounds.

Price: $39.95 Contact: www.lockstraps.com 92 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

ICON • INTERCEPTOR REFLECTIVE VEST The Mil-Spec Interceptor vest is not just for military personnel.

This is a great addition to any rider’s gear. Whetherriding into work in the early hours or riding at night, the vest increases your visibility with its reflective panels and neon yellow color.

It reminds me of the lightning bugs I used to catch as a kid… memories.

Sizes: Regular to XLarge Prices: $65.00 Contact: www.rideicon.com

SHORAI • LFX LITHIUM IRON POWERSPORTS BATTERY Shorai has manufactured a drop-in OEM replacement and weight-saving battery. In fact, their batteries weigh one fifth of the weight and with two to four times the service life of lead acid batteries. They hold a charge for one year without maintenance.

Their lithium iron batteries contain no lead nor acid making them safe for the environment. The battery is backed by a two-year leading warranty.

Price: $99.95 to $186.95 Contact: www.shoraipower.com

AKRAPOVIC • EVOLUTION OPEN EXHAUST FULL SYSTEM FOR THE DUCATI 848 The Evolution Full System takes the 848’s horsepower and torque to the maximum. The 2 into 1 into 2 configuration produces a gain of 10.1hp (8550rpm) at the wheel, over the stock system. Its titanium construction saves a total of 8.35 lbs.

Muffler Options: Carbon Fiber, Titanium Price: Contact Akrapvic for retail MSRP Contact: www.akrapovic.com

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STAFF STUFF REV’IT! • FAHRENHEIT H2O GLOVES Allan Lane I can often be a creature of habit. Once I find something reliable and trustworthy, I stick with it. Being an all season rider, cold weather riding gear is so important. I bought a pair of the Rev’It Fahrenheit H2O Gloves in 2005 and have worn them on every chilly to straight-up cold day of riding. Over the last six years, they’ve really held up which is a good thing as they have been replaced by newer models and are no longer available. Slightly bulky but extremely comfortable, they keep my hands reasonably warm in temps as low as the low to mid 40’s. Sizing is a little bit tricky so I recommend trying them on before you buy. www.revit.eu Rating: 5 (out of 6)

MOVOC 16:3 • MOTORCYCLE INSPIRED GRAPHIC TEES Leon Brittain I love bikes. No ifs, ands, or buts about it, but I don’t always want to shout it from the mountain tops. I also happen to like fashion and style. I’m far from a fashion junkie, but I like to look good while remaining comfortable. This trait I also don’t want to shout about, besides where is the coolness in that? So when I found out about MOVOC 16:3 tees, I became an instant fan. MOVOC 16:3 doesn’t produce and design your typical bike tees. No sir…These are high quality tees with very intricate and well-thought out designs that retain their look wash after wash. Make no mistake about it, these tees you can rock beyond the track or bike event while showing others you know a thing or two about the sportbike culture with style. www.movoc163.com Rating: 5 (out of 6)

ALPINESTARS • SNIPER AIR-FLO JACKET Tyson Beckford

My staff stuff review has to be for my Alpinestarts Sniper Air-Flo Jacket. In plain words, it’s the shit, son! Let me explain why I feel so strong about it! The Sniper Air-FloJacket has all the technical safety features of a full grain leather riding jacket but without the weight and bulkiness. This jacket is made for warmer riding weather because it has air flo mesh to let air in.

I have this jacket in all the colors (red/gray camo, black/gray camo and white/gray camo). My favorite color is the white/gray camo, which of course is the hardest one to get! Personally, I feel this jacket has red carpet status, which is like all of the Alpinestars clothing and boots. This jacket fits well with my riding style and on my long arms. On hot days above 85 degrees, it keeps my t-shirt sweatless and dry. The back lining also has space to add a back protector which can add more safety to this already safe jacket. There are multi pockets for phones and other needed items that one might need on a daily outing.

6 gears out of 6 gears. www.alpinestars.com Rating: 6 (out of 6) 94 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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IN THE NEXT ISSUE THE RACE ISSUE Eric Stump Dystany Spurlock Nick Apex “The Rookie”

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