SportBikes Inc Magazine April 2016

ROAD

RACING

•

DRAG

RACING

•

STUNT

RIDING

•

CUSTOM

BIKES

•

LIFESTYLE

APRIL 2016 VOL 6 ISSUE 7

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM

DUCATI’S 2016

X

DIAVEL S

SUMMER 2016: WHAT TO WEAR | THE MAIN POINTS: SEAN HADLEY | MOTOGP WITH B.T. | THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN: JARED MEES | IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: THE CASE FOR TIRE WARMERS

2 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

UNTIL NOW, WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO TA K E S I D E S. T O C H O O S E B E T W E E N W I C K E D O R V I R T U O U S , B R U TA L O R S O P H I S T I C AT E D , R E F I N E D O R W I L D , G E N T L E M A N O R B A S TA R D .

Y O U D E S E R V E B O T H.

© Ducati North America 2016

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 3

CONTENTS

APRIL 2016 - VOLUME 6, ISSUE 7 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=16

16 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=42 42 MOTOGP WITH B.T. - By B.T. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=48 48 THE NUMBERS - By Damian Jigalov 66 THE MAIN POINTS - By Dena Sodano http://issuu.com/action/page?page=66 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=80 80 FEATURED CLUB - EYE KANDI M.K. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=84 84 FEATURED RIDERS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=90 90 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Eric Wood http://issuu.com/action/page?page=98 98 THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN - By Michael Lawless http://issuu.com/action/page?page=120 120 THE NEW ISH http://issuu.com/action/page?page=126 126 STAFF STUFF

FEATURED RIDER: KEN TAM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=86 PAGE 86

4 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 5

FEATURES

APRIL 2016 - VOLUME 6, ISSUE 7 THE FIRST RIDE: 2016 DUCATI X DIAVEL S

26

THE MAIN POINTS: SEAN HADLEY

66

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=96

THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN: JARED MEES

98

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=106

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=26

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=66

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=98

6 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

MOTOGP WITH B.T.: AMERICA’S RACE

42

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: TIRE WARMERS

90

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=42

SUMMER 2016: WHAT TO WEAR

106

DON’T JUST SEIZE THE DAY. LEAN INTO IT. MAKE LIFE A RIDE.

Not everyone takes the chance. Even fewer have the passion and the courage to make the most of it. But for those who can, for those who do, there is the 2016 BMW S 1000 RR. bmwmotorcycles.com.

BMW Motorrad USA

©2016 BMW Motorrad USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name and logo are registered trademarks.

2016 S 1000 RR

The Ultimate Riding Machine™

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 7

FEATURE STORY

DUCATI’S 2016

X

DIAVEL S

PAGE 26

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=26

8 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 9

STAFF

Publisher//Editor in Chief: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com

EDITORIAL

ART & DESIGN

Drag Racing Editor: Rickey Gadson rickey@sportbikesincmag.com

Creative Director//Layout//Design: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com

Fashion Editor: Kiana Gadson kiana@sportbikesincmag.com

Creative Supervisor: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com

Moto Tech Editor: Thomas Campion tommy@sportbikesincmag.com

Graphic Designer: Baz baz@sportbikesincmag.com

Riding Editor: Eric Wood eric@sportbikesincmag.com Rev Limiter Editor: Dena Sodano dena@sportbikesincmag.com Staff Writers: Billy Morrison billy@sportbikesincmag.com Michael Lawless lawless@sportbikesincmag.com Lion James lion@sportbikesincmag.com B.T. bt@sportbikesincmag.com

Contributing Photographers: Michael Spain Smith 1Down5Up Brian J. Nelson Red Spade David Beaver Don Miller

Copy Editor: Angela Lane angela@sportbikesincmag.com Contributors: Damian Jigalov

SportBikes Inc Magazine - April 2016 Volume 6, Issue 7 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2016 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.

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

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

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.

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.

10 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 11

12 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

FOLLOW US TO LEARN MORE

AK TROOPER PACK AVAILABLE IN BLACK, WHITE, & HI-VIS // MSRP - $180.00 The Trooper was designed for, well, anything and everything you can imagine. It's big. It's tough. It's perfect. Of course, it includes interior and exterior pockets, tie-downs, the expected fittings and adjustments, a special laptop/tablet pocket and hydration compatible. Not to mention, a place for first aid, a place for eyewear and the ability to secure your helmet to the back. You're going to quit before the trooper even gets close.

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED AMERICAN KARGO DEALER AND ONLINE AT AMERICANKARGO.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 13

FROM THE EDITOR his hospitality and gave him my first visual impressions of the bike. It was a very brief interaction as he is a busy man and had much to attend to.

We gave each other the nonverbal “be safe, have fun, see you out there” nod as I stepped away to my assigned bike. Then I heard, “May I take a picture with you?” Claudio was asking to take a pic with me. Of course I obliged, thinking to myself what a flip this was. He continued, “Now I know that I am in America!”

I laughed because I knew what he meant. Italians have a brutal honesty about them.

It’s not offensive. It’s not demeaning. They are truth talkers and they speak their mind.

A

few months ago, I had the privilege of not only meeting Claudio Domenicali, but also riding with him. That alone was an honor. Claudio is the CEO of Ducati. We were in San Diego for the international press launch for the new XDiavel and XDiavel S models. On the morning of the group ride, as I stood there amongst other journalists admiring the fleet of bikes, Claudio was standing in my immediate company and he was admiring my pendant.

We introduced ourselves, I thanked him for

14 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Let’s be honest, 99% of the time, I’m the only journalist at press launches that looks like a crossover between a NFL Linebacker and a Rapper and refers to himself as Black Moses.

The bottom line is motorcycles universally bridge gaps. The day that this photo was taken, Claudio and I were just two brothers among others, going for a ride and making memories. And we both have a photo to remember the day.

Best, Allan allan@sportbikesincmag.com

Perfo r

manc

e

Cafe

Sho

rty

Rear Sets Cli

p-O

Distributed by:

ns

www.VooDoomoto.com SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 15

THE PRESS ROOM

INDUSTRY NEWS C&S CUSTOM PRESENTS THE WORLD’S WIDEST TIRE KIT FOR THE V ROD C&S Custom out of Lexington, NC have unveiled their lineup of wide tire kits for the Harley Davidson V Rod. Available in 240mm, 300mm, 330mm and 360mm sizes, these are the widest tire kits in production for the V Rod. Options include: length, finish (raw, custom painted, polished, chrome, and over 1000 powder coat choices), as well as a selection of accessories. For your purchase options, please click HERE.

MV AGUSTA RESTRUCTURES THEIR FINANCES Restructuring finances is different from being broke.

You must have finances to restructure, after all. While it was vastly reported that the Italian brand was once again having money woes after Mercedes AMG purchased 25% of the company in 2014 and did see some growth in 2015. However, they did recently file for Chapter 11 which will allow them to restructure their money and get it together with their creditors. MV isn’t going anywhere... just yet.

16 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

HJC HELMETS TEAMS UP WITH MARVEL FOR OFFICIALLY LICENSED HELMETS HJC Helmets will be releasing 3 officially licensed Marvel helmets that feature popular Marvel Comic characters.

Starting in May, riders can don helmets in the likeness of Iron Man, The Punisher and Captain America. The Iron Model uses the HJC IS 17 helmet as a base and is priced at $249.99 while the Captain America and The Punisher use the HJC CL 17 model, priced at $179.95. The helmets are available for pre order now and will ship in May. Click HERE for more information.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 17

THE PRESS ROOM WORLD DUCATI WEEK 2016

The 2016 edition of World Ducati Week will commence July 1 through July 3, 2016. The three day festival is a celebration for Ducati owners and enthusiasts from all over the world to come together and enjoy the life of being a Ducatista. This year, the event will be held in

Misano at the Misano Marco Simoncelli World Circuit and will also coincide with Ducati’s 90th anniversary. World Ducati Week occurs every two years. In 2014, attendance topped 65,000. For more information please click HERE.

KTM ISSUES RECALL FOR HUSQVARNA MODELS KTM of North America is recalling 2013 and 2014 Husqvarna TR650 Terra and TR650 Strada models as the bikes may stall unexpectedly.

KTM is still working on a fix for the problem but owners are advised to contact KTM Customer Service directly at 440.985.3553. The total number of bikes affected by this recall is 1,015.

AVON’S NEW STREETRUNNER TIRE Avon Tyres newest addition to their lineup was engineered specifically for bikes 250CC and below. The aptly named StreetRunner features the latest

18 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

technology in tire tread pattern design that will provide serious grip, a durable life while being adaptable to changing road and weather conditions.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 19

THE PRESS ROOM

GRID NEWS LORENZO SIGNS ON AS TISSOT’S NEWEST MOTOGP AMBASSADOR Reigning Champion Jorge Lorenzo recently signed on with the official time keeper of MotoGP, Tissot as an official ambassador for the brand. Lorenzo joins other GP ambassadors such as Stefan Bradl, Thomas Lüthi, Tito Rabat and Bradley Smith.

MUGEN UNVEILS THEIR “SHINDEN GO” MOTORCYCLE FOR THE 2016 TT ZERO RACES Mugen’s new electric bike, the Shinden Go will make its debut at this year’s TT Zero Races. John McGuinness will pilot the Shinden Go with team mate, Bruce Anstey.

McGuinness set a new lap record last year in the Zero class (119.279mph/18’ 58.743). Anstey is a 10 time TT race champion. The 2016 Isle of Man TT Races fueled

by Monster Energy happens May 28 - June 10.

20 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

THE JOHNNY ROCK PAGE DOCUMENTARY: 1/10 OF A SECOND A staple in the road racing paddock as well as a fan favorite, Johnny Rock Page is the subject of the new documentary “1/10 of a Second”. Directed

by Kurt Kubicek, the film chronicles the exciting and exhilarating journey of the oldest competing professional motorcycle racer in the U.S. Over the years, Page has experienced the highs and lows of pursuing his dream and passion of road racing. 1/10 of a Second captures the whirlwind of Page’s wild life with all of the triumphs and tragedies. The film will be available for download on April 28th via Apple iTunes and Amazon Prime.

RICKEY GADSON TO REPRESENT JAPAN’S YELLOW CORN MOTORSPORTS IN 2016 Rickey Gadson has secured a major international partnership which will have Gadson representing Japan with Yellow Corn Motosports in the upcoming racing season.

Gadson will be racing a 2016 Kawasaki USA H2 fitted with Guhl Motorsports ECU and Brock’s Performance “Stupid Fast” parts in an all out attempt to capture the American land speed record for Yellow Corn Motorsports, a key player in Japan’s aftermarket apparel and motorcycle accessories.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 21

THE PRESS ROOM WSBK AND MOTOGP TO RACE PHILLIP ISLAND FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS Dorna and the local Victorian Government announced that the Phillip Island Circuit, in Victoria, Australia will remain on the MotoGP and World Superbike calendars until 2026 and 2027, respectively. The circuit is one of the most beloved by racers, teams and fans, alike. Aesthetically and technically, Phillip

JORGE LORENZO OFFICIALLY MOVES TO DUCATI After much speculation and rumor floating during the silly season, Ducati and Jorge Lorenzo announced that the reigning MotoGP champion will indeed be trading in his Yamaha Blues for Ducati Red in a two year, beginning in 2017.

22 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Island is known for it’s breathtaking views and its sweeping corners. In 2015, over 80,000 spectators were in attendance for MotoGP. There were over 42,000 present for the opening round of the 2016 World Superbike season.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 23

24 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 25

26 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

DUCATI’S 2016

X

DIAVEL S

WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: DUCATI SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 27

THE FIRST RIDE: 2016 XDIAVEL S

28 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Q

uite simply, this Bastard is greater than the sum of all its parts. Power, performance, style, rideability... Combined with the “in seat” rider experience, the 2016 Ducati XDiavel S is a marvel of motorcycle technology and a pinnacle for concept, execution and delivery.

My introduction to the XDiavel S was at the international press launch in San Diego, CA. While the first thoughts are to compare the XDiavel to the original Diavel model that was launched in 2011, the differences are immediately evident.

They are two different machines, only partially sharing a name.

The XDiavel is a bonafide cruiser highlighted by forward foot controls, a belt drive, 40 degrees of maximum lean angle, 1262 CCs and 156 horses. It sits low and longer with a muscular presence that generates excitement. The XDiavel is rider friendly with a surprising level of grunt and power that raises the bar when it comes to the cruiser class. The maximum torque output is achieved at 5,000rpm, delivering power throughout the gearbox. In other words, this bike may be a cruiser, but it can move, possessing what I refer to as the “get the hell outta Dodge” factor. The dual spark, liquid cooled testastretta engine is in L twin formation, housed in a tubular trellis frame, giving the XDiavel that familiar Ducati profile.

With power in hand, the XDiavel offers a comfortable stability at both ends of the speed spectrum. It's nimble, manageable and rider friendly. With a wet weight of 545 pounds, there is no need to muscle the bike. It turns in well while in tight corners, maintains its balance in the sweepers while providing great feedback as it responds to rider input. That stability breeds confidence via the bond between rider and machine, allowing the rider to truly engulf oneself in the ride. This is what I am referring to when I say “in seat” rider experience. When the bike is doing all that it should be doing and you believe in the bike, then your focus is abundantly about the ride itself.

Comfort, stability and focus... These are elements granted by the XDiavel simply by twisting the throttle. Through the streets and hills of San Diego, even kissing the border of Mexico, the

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 29

THE FIRST RIDE: 2016 XDIAVEL S XDiavel proved to be more than impressive. It was intimidating, for all the right reasons.

Ducati set out to make a true cruiser. The development of the bike involved spending time with American cruiser bike builders and the community of cruiser enthusiasts to capture the sensibilities that were essential to the class. They did their homework and the fruits of their research bore something all together new. It's low and long measuring 90.9 inches with a seat height of 29.7 inches. The XDiavel is authentically Italian while deeply rooted in the asphalt of the U.S. If ever a rose grew from the concrete, this is it. There was nothing like the XDiavel before. And if you think that's an exaggeration, revisit that statement after you've ridden one. You'll share the sentiment.

Numbers aside, it wasn't until I was able to spend some serious quality time with the XDiavel on a road trip from Daytona, FL to my home in Philadelphia, PA, that I truly could grasp what the bike was bringing to the table. There is a major difference between squeezing out first impressions on a day ride, albeit in the sunny hills of San Diego and experiencing real seat time riding through a variety of elements and situations. The bike is highlighted by its level of comfort. On the long haul, the seating position and the forward controls made a huge impact on minimizing fatigue. The foot controls can be customized with rear, middle and front placement. The handlebars can also be adjusted for personal preference. All in all, there are sixty ergonomic combinations that can applied to the XDiavel to

30 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 31

THE FIRST RIDE: 2016 XDIAVEL S

32 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

maximize your “in seat� rider experience.

The XDiavel is equipped with three riding modes: urban, touring and sport... adjusting the available horsepower and interaction with the ABS and traction control. Through the highway stretches of the Carolinas, the cruise control was in full effect. That's correct, cruise control. Simple and easy to use via the left hand controls, the cruise control feature is clustered among other switches that include the menu toggle, horn, high beams, as well as the self canceling turn indicators. The turn indicators are set to self cancel after a certain degree of tilt or rate of speed is achieved. The XDiavel has Bluetooth capabilities to sync with your smart phone so that information from your phone can be displayed on the TFT color read out dash. The dash also displays pertinent data and statuses: MPH, fuel consumption, time, mileage, ride mode, etc. Then, of course, there is the Ducati Power Launch. More accurately, it is a launch assist but the thrill is still the same.

Activated by the button at the right hand controls, the feature gives you three levels of launches that allow you to launch the bike with the throttle wide open but keeps both wheels on the ground. It's a riveting experience by itself but once mastered in harmony with the other bells and whistles that the XDiavel offers, you can quickly come to the conclusion that the team back in Italy have a major hit on their their hands.

Its level of craftsmanship is beyond the engine performance and the truly unique Italian cruiser design and execution. The

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 33

THE FIRST RIDE: 2016 XDIAVEL S

DUCATI’S 2016

34 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

X

DIAVEL S

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 35

THE FIRST RIDE: 2016 XDIAVEL S

36 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 37

THE FIRST RIDE: 2016 XDIAVEL S

38 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

engineers dug deeper to create a long lasting, if not undying experience. All the numbers and specifications that are posted on every manufacturer’s website regarding their new model is a great source for static information. That's why they are there. Numbers don't lie. But numbers won't tell you how it feels to ride the machine. Throwing a leg over the XDiavel and understanding that the power beneath you is at your beck and call is empowering, exhilarating and for some... could be life changing.

As a commuter machine, selecting the urban ride mode, the XDiavel again delivers above expectations. In city traffic, light to light or maneuvering through the concrete jungles of Philadelphia, the bike is right at home. And this is where you can really feel the difference and appreciate the “in seat” rider experience. City traffic moves at various speeds at various times throughout the day. The XDiavel is ready for action at those often lower speeds and can quickly adapt to a rushing increase of speed if the opportunity arises. It has the power and ability to be the bike that you need it to be when you need it to be.

Ducati's moniker for the XDiavel is the Gentleman Bastard and I get it. But I would add badass on the back end of that. It's more than appropriate. The bike itself is all of those things, but the badassery leans more toward what the experience is about.

At standstill, at idle, at speed... The bike is tough looking. It has a distinctive style, from the unique and captivating headlight, side profile to the contrast cut wheels. And that 240mm rear tire makes you, by transitive properties, a bad ass. That is what is at the core of so many of us that ride. That sense of standing apart from the remainder of society that choose to drive as opposed to ride. The 2016 Ducati XDiavel S places its finger on the pulse of that reality, that core of existence for the two wheeled life and says, "I get it... Now let's ride."

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 39

LOW PROFILE

32mm

Pro Sub 4 $199

REPEAT PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY

LEVEL2

3.38 kN CE Level 2. The best on the market!

LOW PROFILE

23.5mm

Pro L2K Evo

$179

NITREX EVO速 - Patented

This technology offers protection evenly across its surface. Other protectors performance will vary and be inconsistent. You never know where the impact will strike!

REPEAT PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY

The specialized materials used offer Repeat Performance Technology (RPT) allowing multiple impacts with no loss of protective performance. Many protectors can withstand only one impact and must be discarded after a fall.

LEVEL2

MULTI-DENSITY

By using a combination of specialized high-tech energy absorbing materials, the protectors are less bulky with a low profile while still offering unrivalled protection.

LOW PROFILE

22.5mm

FLEXIBILITY AND 3D MOULDING

A combination of Nitrex Evo and multi layer construction results in a system that offers both lightweight and flexible protectors. With a unique 3-Dimensional molding characteristic the armour becomes part of the body for all day comfort with no restriction. 速

Blade $129

BREATHABILITY

LEVEL2

The unique triangular Nitrex Evo速 outer grid has been designed to allow maximum air flow and breathability while also reducing the weight and thickness.

All Forcefield Body Armour is fully CE approved.

Replacement Pads for Suits & Jackets

Back Inserts Pro Lite K $79/$89 Super Lite $49/$64

40 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

877.789.4940 | motonation.com

PRO

PRO LITE K

LEVEL2

SUPER LITE

SUPER LITE

BRITISH ICONS GLOBAL LEGENDS REBORN

THE LEGEND IS BACK THE NEW 1200CC BONNEVILLE THRUXTON R

To find out more visit: triumphmotorcycles.com

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 41

THE GRID

MOTOGP WITH B.T.: AMERICA’S RACE WORDS: B.T. IMAGES: MOTOGP.COM

42 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

L

et’s face it... Life is tough! You have bills to pay. A job to hold onto. A spouse or significant other to try and make happy or try not to kill... I’m kidding of course but a bad road trip can bring on strange thoughts.

We all need something to “get us through”. Some use drugs or alcohol. Some people live their life through their kids. Ever been to a Tee Ball game? A lot of dad’s broken dreams are being lived through a six year old.

Fortunately, a lot of us “get through” life via our love of motorcycles. When you meet a fellow lover of motorcycles a sort of bond forms, a “kinship” so to speak.

Even more rare, is someone who loves motorcycle racing!

And even more rare is someone who loves MotoGP... the upper echelon of motorcycle racing!

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 43

THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T. To meet an NBA or NFL fan is easy. This is America and that’s what we do. But to meet a fellow MotoGP fan?! That’s like winning the lottery on a Friday while you’re eating pizza! That good? Yes! That good! To talk to someone who knows what you mean when you tell them “Marquez looks unbeatable” and they either nod in agreement or come back with “Don’t count out the Ducs” and you know damn well they’re not talking about the ones that go quack, quack!

To have a gathering of MotoGP Fans feels like a family reunion with those family members that you actually like, regardless if you’re related or not.

Unfortunately, our family reunion has been reduced in America to just one race, ironically at a track

ALEIX ESPARGARO & MAVERICK VINALES

44 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

called Circuit of The Americas. It is here where we gathered to witness the flying circus that is MotoGP! As is customary, I always talk about Moto3 first. A class no one watches, except me... Or so I thought.

It was so refreshing to actually sit with people who knew who Ramona Fenatti or Nicolo Antonelli were. As I’ve always said, Moto3 is a street fight, plain and simple, with literally a pack of five or six riders every race vying for the win. The only person who’s been consistent this year has been Brad Binder. He’s lucked his way onto the podium in all three races by merely just hanging around, kind of like that guy friend of a girl you like and they end up dating and you ask, “How did that happen?” And she says, “He’s just always been

there.” That’s what Binder is doing. He’s going to friendzone his way into a championship with this approach! Although he didn’t win Binder made his way onto the podium well behind race winner Romano Fenatti, who rode a brilliant race and Jorge Navarro.

Moto2 is slowly becoming what it used to be...

Moto3. Only faster with bigger bikes. After what I felt was an off season last year, Moto2 is back with close racing and has four guys who could easily rotate winning from week to week. Alex Rins is the golden child of the class and showed why with a picture perfect race and never really looked

BRAD BINDER

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 45

THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

46 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 47

THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

SAM LOWES

ALEX RINS

threatened by runner up and series points leader Sam Lowes. Third and maybe the most underrated racer in all of the three classes is last year’s champion, Johann Zarco. Zarco’s experience makes him a title contender again and quite frankly, watching a potential head to head battle with Lowes and Rins has me salivating like a Pavlov experiment. Moto2 is back! Watch it! You won’t be sorry!

Saving the best for last, MotoGP. So many stories to be told, so many questions to be answered and from the opening practice it was apparent, it was a Marc Marquez world and we were just lucky to be there to witness it.

Marquez, who was struggling in all of preseason and after the first race of the year seems to 48 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

have found his groove, at least in America. He’s undefeated at COTA and this weekend, he showed why he loves America. Even with his helmet on you could tell he was really enjoying himself. If America could adopt a racer, it would be Marc Marquez.

He’s got that million dollar smile, a boyish mischievousness to him and he’s a winner! You can’t beat that. He is Spanish, so I’m sure Donald Trump wouldn’t be to happy. But Marquez also has better hair, so Trump loses and America gets the real winner!

The race was a Marquez parade with Jorge Lorenzo being so defeated by Marquez that he was actually happy with second place while Andreas Iannone made up for his debacle in Argentina with a solid third. The real race was for fourth with the Suzukis of soon to be superstar, Maverick Vinales

outgunning his teammate Aleix Esparago.

The shocker of the race was Valentino Rossi crashing on the second lap. COTA brings surprises in odd ways. This year it was Rossi crashing.

Last year was the Lorenzo jump start. But the one constant is the Marquez dominance. COTA is Marquez’s track and to watch him is to witness greatness.

The only sadness I experienced the whole weekend,other than Rossi crashing, still love that guy, was knowing this was the last time I was going to see a MotoGP race this season unless I hop a plane to Europe as Indy and Laguna Seca are gone. Austin is it! And a nice “it” at that. I got to see my two wheeled heroes up close and personal. I got to smell race fuel in the morning. I

got to witness the post qualifying press conference (Thanks boss!). And let me tell you, the tension between Rossi and Marquez is real. You could cut that tension with a butter knife!

But most importantly, I was at a family reunion of people, regardless of our race, sex, political leanings or fetishes... (Did I just write that?) Who came together for our love of a sport that never gets covered by the main stream media. Quite frankly, I’m okay with that. I like fans who are fans! We may not agree on what happened in Sepang but that’s okay. Sometimes family has arguments and disputes. I can live with that. After all, that’s what family does. You only argue with the ones you love and I love my MotoGP family! Hope to see you soon!

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 49

50 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

#DaineseAirbag

IN A SPORT WHERE SPEED IS EVERYTHING, D-AIR® TECHNOLOGY IS UNBEATABLE. THE D-AIR® SYSTEM CAN DETECT A CRASH IN AS FAST AS 15 MS AND INFLATE COMPLETELY IN 30 MS * DAINESE D-AIR® RACING: 15 YEARS OF UNRIVALED RESEARCH INDUSTRY-LEADING PROTECTION IS OUR #1 PRIORITY In a crash, D-air® Racing’s high-pressure airbag protects the collarbone, limits neck oscillation and reduces shoulder-impact forces by 85% compared to traditional body armor. The system utilizes a GPS, three accelerometers, three gyroscopes and a sophisticated triggering algorithm†, and includes a built-in telemetry system that allows the rider to track performance. D-air® Racing is the protection benchmark in the road racing world and is used by top riders including Valentino Rossi, Stefan Bradl, Pol Espargaró, Nicky Hayden, Tom Sykes, Leon Haslam.

D-Air Racing Misano ®

D-air®, D-air® Racing and D-air® Street are all registered trademarks of Dainese S.p.A. D-air® Racing’s triggering algorithm is intended for track use only. *Measured in accordance with European Standard EN 1621.1. Crash detection and deployment conditions explained in further detail in the user manual.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 51

52 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Distinction,Details and Design.

SOLARE VENTED TEXTILE JACKET $119

Solare Vented Textile Pant $109 Twist Glove $49 SIDI Tour Air $215 Vemar Jiano $99 Dealer Locator @ motonation.com

Toll Free 877.789.4940 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 53

THE GRID

THE NUMBERS EVERY MONTH, WE ASK PROS AND AMATEURS WHY THEY CHOSE THE NUMBERS THAT IDENTIFY THEM ON THE GRID...

IMAGES: RED SPADE 54 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

DAMIAN JIGALOV

#78

“M

y racing number is 78 because my lucky number is 7 and my dad’s lucky number is 8! I wanted my number to be a part of my dad because my dad taught me everything about riding and racing.”

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 55

WORLD-CLASS MOTORCYCLE RACING IN AMERICA

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF AMA SUPERBIKE RACING

watch us live! april 8 - 10

june 10 - 12

Circuit of the Americas

barber motorsports park

april 15 - 17

june 23 - 25

road atlanta

utah motorsports campus

april 29 - may 1

july 8 - 10

new jersey motorsports park

mazda raceway laguna seca

may 13 - 15

september 9 - 11

virginia international raceway

new jersey motorsports park

june 3 - 5

* schedule subject to change

road america

@MotoAmerica1

GET TICKETS ONLINE AT MOTOAMERICA.COM

56 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

GP-V1 PERFORMANCE SPORTBIKE SEAT

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING

Whether you’re crossing town or traversing continents, it’s the ultimate performance upgrade. With just the turn of a screw, you get a hi-tech seat that fits you, your motorcycle and your style – taking your ride to the next level. *Now available for most sportbikes.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 57

THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

MICHAEL AQUINO ADRIAN HACKETT

58 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

NAME: Michael Aquino

NAME: Adrian Hackett HOMETOWN: Valencia, CA

HOMETOWN/COUNTRY: Mt.Vernon, NY AGE: 19 years old.

AGE: ASSOCIATIONS/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: 34

WERA, AMA, FIM, SAG Series, CEV Spanish Championship.

ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES:

MOTOAMERICA, CCS, ASRA, CMRC

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: WERA Regional/National 600 Super Sport GOALS: Champion.

Compete internationally throughout the Carribean.

GOALS: To compete in Moto2.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Competed in MotoAmerica 600 DEFINE YOUR PASSION INSuperstock ONE SENTENCE: race at is NJMP, 9th overall in can CCSmake Atlantic Racing something no one you do... region It’s something that pulls and drives you.

CONTACT: DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE

WWW.GOFUNDME.COM/MICHAELAQUINO SENTENCE:

Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.

CONTACT: WWW.ONELOVEROADRACING.COM

IMAGES: COURTESY OF TEAM STRATOS SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 59

Bodywork for race and street Quality you can afford

2016 Kawasaki ZX10

Get There Faster (760)

510-9799

www.catalystracingcomposites.com 60 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 61

THE STRAIGHT LINE: ON THE COME UP

FRANKIE STOTZ

62 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

NAME: Frankie Stotz HOMETOWN: Schaumburg, IL AGE: 31 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATION/SERIES: Honda, Speed and Strength, Falicon, Microblue Bearings, Robinson Industries, Mobile Dynamometer, JE Pistons, Millennium Technologies, BST Wheels, Hyper Pro, Star Racing, ARP Rock Solid, Sikora Precision, Worldwide Bearings, Air Tech.

Manufacturers Cup, NHDRO, KOTS GOALS: To return to the number one spot as the quickest streetbike in the world and to win a #1 plate.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: The winner ain’t the one with the fastest bike, it’s the one who refuses to lose.

CONTACT: WWW. STOTZRACING.COM

IMAGES: DAVID BEAVER SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 63

64 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 65

THE REV LIMITER

THE MAIN POINTS WORDS: DENA SODANO IMAGES: 1DOWN5UP

66 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SEAN HADLEY T

his month, way up top and in a land far far and away, freestyle stunt rider Sean Hadley has been spicing up the scene in Portland, Oregon. He took a few minutes to share what he’s been up to.

DS: How did you get into riding?

SH: I've been riding motorcycles or anything with a motor, for as long as I can remember. Growing up pretty broke, meant I never had my own. As I got older I was able to save and get a 2003 GSXR 750. Although I didn't wheelie it much and I only had it for

6 months, it gave me my first taste of power wheelies from every stop light.

DS: How did you transition into stunt riding?

SH: Living in Lake Havasu, Arizona, I had some friends that rode and I was able to get my first stunt bike which was a 2005 Kawasaki 636 for $500 with everything I needed to get started. At the time I didn't do much besides highway wheelies and never used a handbrake on it. After getting my taste for wheelies and starting to slow them down I bought my first 2003 Kawasaki 636 and moved to Portland,

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 67

THE REV LIMITER: THE MAIN POINTS Oregon shortly after.

DS: What is the sport bike riding and stunt scene like there? Do you have many spots to practice at?

SH: The Portland stunt scene has had its ups and downs with lots and with riders. Like anywhere else, people come and people go.

I've been lucky to meet a few riders since day one who have always been down to ride, have fun, help with tricks, help work on our bikes and we have become good friends.

DS: What bike do you have now?

SH: I ride an 2004 Kawasaki 636 with a motor we completely rebuilt last year and threw together some parts up to the current year ZX6's. I've ridden a lot of different bikes that I liked and could see myself on... I'm not too picky. I adapt, ride and have fun.

DS: What’s your favorite trick?

SH: My favorite trick learned so far would have to be highchair figure eights.

DS: How do you like the new hand brake set ups that are on the market now? Which did you choose to go with and why?

SH: I chose the NDC bracket, mostly based on pricing and what I wanted at the time. I run it with an EBC ZX11D rotor, two monoblock R6 calipers for the handbrake and a 2009 ZX6 caliper for the footbrake. It's the best setup I've had yet but I'm also thinking about moving on to the Joker bracket with a bigger rotor.

DS: What else do you like to do for fun?

SH: Riding is what I like to do for fun. It consumes most of my time. Between riding, working on my bike or helping friends doing the same I stay pretty busy.

DS: Have you had any gnarly wrecks or close calls?

68 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 69

THE REV LIMITER: THE MAIN POINTS

“I

've ridden a lot of different bikes that I liked and could see myself on... I'm not too picky. I adapt, ride and have fun.”

70 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 71

THE REV LIMITER: THE MAIN POINTS

72 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SH: My worst injury would have to be before I got into stunt riding when I ordered levers from China on eBay. I put them on my bike and minutes later, not realizing that the levers were making my brakes drag I was doing rolling burnouts up and down my street... My neighbors loved me! My front brakes soon locked up and threw me over the bike. With no helmet of course, I landed on my head. I got thirteen staples. My driving record is pretty horrendous, I have lost my license a few times.

DS: Any favorite events or competitions?

SH: Comps? I wish! My first summer of stunt riding in 2012, XDL came to Portland. Being a local, it was fun to spectate, meet and hang out with the riders I was starting to watch. Since

then, there hasn't been anything semi local that I could afford to make it to. This year I'm hoping to travel to Stunt Wars or any other competitions that we can make it to.

DS: Any plans for the rest of 2016? Where will we find you next?

SH: I have a few things in the works for 2016 but my main focus is training as much as I can to get my riding skills where I want them to be. Staying motivated and dedicating every minute I can to constantly progress is my main goal. I'm hoping to travel out of the country.

We also have a few video plans in the works that I would like to put out for some content that everyone can enjoy.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 73

74 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 75

THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP

GUYGUY

76 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

NAME: GuyGuy HOMETOWN: Limetz Villez, France AGE: 25 ASSOCIATIONS: ICON MotoSports ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Always in top five in European competitions and one of the top French riders.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Meet and ride with a lot of people around the world and spend good times with my friends. If I can win money, it’s better but the first thing is to have fun and not forget why we do what we do.

It’s also exciting to push yourself really far and do tricks that you can’t imagine doing with a big bike.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Ride for fun!

CONTACT:

IMAGES: OFOF GUY GUYDURHAM IMAGES:COURTESY COURTESY BRAD SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 77

78 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Bar ends

Re-Discover

Footpegs Pro Sliders

www.puigusa.com

Plug oli cap

ANUNCI SPORTBIKES INC gener 16.indd 1

22/01/2016 11:31:14

The pursuit of refinement is the road to perfection......

Quality Sportbike Accessories www.compwerkes.com

800 736-2114

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 79

THE LIFE: FEATURED CLUB

EYE KANDI M.K. CHAPTER: Atlanta, GA FOUNDED: 2004 MEMBERS: 13 ELECTED OFFICIALS: CEO/FOUNDER: K.B. CHAIRMAN: FOUNDER: P.R. FOUNDER: Red Snappa P.R.O.: Quiet Storm ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Cream

Rocker interpretation: The Eye Kandi M.K. is visually represented by a strong female rider standing in front of her motorcycle. Smart, attractive and always ready to ride, the Eye Kandi M.K. represent the female riding community to the fullest.

Club history: In October of 2004, seven female riders joined forces because of their love and passion for motorcycles to form Eye Kandi M.K. in Atlanta, GA. Their mission: “Eye Kandi M.K. will primarily channel energies into networking, fellowshipping and supporting the motorcycle community throughout the United States.�

Club milestones/memorable moments: The Eye Kandi M.K. hosted the 6th Annual the Female Sport Biker Weekend (FSBW) 80 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

in June of 2008. FSBW was created as an alternative to the often aggressive nature of Myrtle Beach Bike Week. FSBW was an event where female riders were celebrated and could uplift one another through the sisterhood of female motorcyclists. When the club hosted the FSBW in Atlanta, it was the highest attended event to date and included both male and female riders.

Future of the club: Always moving and growing, the club is dedicated to hosting social and professional events that benefit both the riding community and their regional community, at large.

By promoting safety, helping others and building friendships, the club will continue to portray a positive image for all to see and benefit from.

Want to see your club featured here?

Drop us an email!

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 81

82 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 83

THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS

Renée Tuzee LOCATION: Aliso Viejo, CA OCCUPATION: Executive Director of National Charity League, Inc. YEARS RIDING: 15 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2012 Honda CBR 250R. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Pigtail for my trickle charger.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Dainese pants and my Alpinestars Stella jacket.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My first time on the 405 Highway and lane splitting... Exhilarating!

84 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Matt Funk LOCATION: Croydon, PA OCCUPATION: Self Employed.

YEARS RIDING: 4 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street and strip action.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2014 Honda CBR 1000RR. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My Dynojet Quickshifter.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My helmet.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: The Tail of the Dragon in 2014.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 85

THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS

Ken Tam LOCATION: Claremont, CA OCCUPATION: CEO at Gabi Toy, President of Foothill Ducati Owners Club, Husband and Father of two amazing boys.

YEARS RIDING: 18 years.

RIDING STYLE: Track with a little street.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2001 Ducati 748, 2002 Ducati 998s Troy Bayliss, 2003 Ducati 999s (track tool), 2007 Ducati 1098s Tri-Colore, 2008 Ducati Paul Smart, 2008 Ducati Desmosedici RR, 2012 Ducati 1199s (track tool), 2013 Ducati 848 Evo Corse SE, 2015 Ducati Panigale R, 2016 Ducati Multistrada S, 1975 Honda CB550.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Always the exhaust.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: The helmet, it’s the most important piece of equipment and arguably the most fashionable. Must have a matching helmet for every bike!

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My first time at Laguna Seca.

86 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Bobby B. LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA OCCUPATION: Motorcycle Protective Wear Sales.

YEARS RIDING: 45 years.

RIDING STYLE: Track only, since 1995.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2012 Aprilia RSV4.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: BST wheels, Brembo brakes, KTech suspension, Akrapovic exhaust and Fast Frank Racing.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Dainese Trickster Kangaroo Suit.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My last track day.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 87

88 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 89

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

THE CASE FOR TIRE WARMERS

WORDS: ERIC WOOD IMAGES: MICHAEL SPAIN SMITH

O

ver the years I’ve heard the racetrack compared to many different things, but a “traditional” sport that seems to parallel track day riding or racing closely is skiing, or snowboarding as you may prefer. Participants in both sports take off, often for a couple days, with a mountain of gear packed away in their vehicles to go out and get as many laps, or runs, as their wallet and physical stamina can afford. Racetracks, like ski mountains, are often several hours away and the dedicated lovers of these sports allocate valuable money and time in the quest for speed, thrills and good times with their friends.

bike to make it handle better, I would choose race tires every time. By raising the ultimate grip level of your bike, expert riders can ride faster and newer riders have a larger margin for error. The only real sacrifice a rider makes when switching to race tires is that they require tire warmers.

In both sports, spending a little money in the right places can improve your speed, handling and confidence. However, there are always points of diminishing return. A novice skier like me is likely not going to be able to benefit from using Bode Miller’s downhill skis from the last Olympics, just like your average track day rider would likely go faster on a good supersport bike than on Jorge Lorenzo’s M1. However, one tool that is available to motorcycle riders can be a benefit to riders at mostly any level when used properly. In this article we will discuss the features, benefits and uses for tire warmers.

STREET TIRES Can you do a track day on stock tires?

Absolutely! They have lower ultimate grip than race tires and in testing we find that a street tire might be 3 to 4 seconds a lap off of a race tire. However, since most track day riders ride at 15 to 20 seconds a lap off of race times they have plenty of grip to spare... as long as they don’t upset the chassis with unintended bar input. Since stock tires are meant to operate at relatively low operating temperatures, tire warmers are not recommended. The rubber compounds for these tires are made so that when you roll out of the garage on a crisp 45 degree spring day you still have some traction to work with. However, since all rubber has a limited range of temperature it can work with, once these tires get above the 130 degree range they start to get very “greasy”. The rubber begins to “melt” off the surface and the bike

Like a good wax on a set of skis, sticky tires benefit riders at any level. Everything you do to your bike to make it go faster or handle better is translated to the track through your tires. If I could make one modification to any street 90 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Regardless of what tires riders at Penguin School events run, we frequently get questions regarding the need for and the use of tire warmers. In the end there are two major factors that influence the use of tire warmers: tire type and weather conditions.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 91

IMPROVE YOUR SKIILLS: TIRE WARMERS begins to slide very easily.

brake and accelerate with vigor, they quickly generate too much heat. As soon as you start to keep up with the pack at a track day, chances The photo below shows a rain tire, also designed to operate at low temperature, used are you are already overworking a set of stock on a dry track. The rubber literally just begins to tires. peel off the surface when the ideal temperature TRACK DAY TIRES is exceeded. If you put your hand on a street A recent category of track day tires, like the tire after riding on the road, it feels warm, but not “hot”. This is ideal. However, since tire Dunlop Q3, are superior to most stock tires, warmers, even multi temperature ones, heat tires yet they do not require warmers in order to work well. These tires will still work reasonably between 135 and 180 degrees, or more, it’s easy to see why tire warmers are not the way well when they are colder and can handle a higher ultimate temperature before they begin to go in any weather. to “melt” like the stock units. Tires in this street/ The fastest way to put heat into a tire is by hard track hybrid class are a great choice for riders acceleration or hard braking. When street tires without warmers. On a cool day, I would still use a set of warmers on these tires, but I would are used on a track, where riders can finally

92 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

only use them on the “low” temperature setting on my warmers (135 to140 degrees).

RACE TIRES Race tires offer more grip, more stability, more confidence and are worth more time than any other modification you can make. However, since they are designed to operate at higher temperatures they are terrible when they are cold. Since most race tires are meant to operate between 150 and 180 degrees, race tires need to run on tire warmers any time you use them. Without warmers, it can take 2 to 3 laps to get the tires up to temperature on a warm day and they may never come up to temperature on a cold day, in my experience that’s below 60 degrees. A major factor is

the temperature of the pavement. If you put your hand on the asphalt and it warms your hand, you’ll likely be able to get race tires to work as long as you are smooth for a couple laps. If the pavement sucks the heat out of your hand, expect slippery tires for a majority of the session.

With all the time, effort and expense to get to the track it seems crazy to waste 20 to 30% of your time on the track warming up your tires.

It’s like going to the mountain and making your first few runs with one ski. If you are going to invest in race tires to maximize your traction, then tire warmers are a must.

WARMER USE

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 93

IMPROVE YOUR SKIILLS: TIRE WARMERS

94 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

The most common misconception with tire warmers is that they are primarily used to heat up the surface of the tire. While this is certainly one valid reason, it is equally, if not more important, to heat up the carcass of the tire. I’m amazed from time to time when riders insist on using a digital temperature gauge and will not roll out of the garage until the gauge indicates 180, or whatever their target temperature is.

If these riders checked the surface temperature again after sitting on pit lane in the wind for 60 seconds waiting to go out, they’d be shocked to see that the surface temp can drop up to 30 to 40 degrees in a short time!

The most important thing to remember when warming up a tire is that you need to “heat soak” the carcass. This takes anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes depending on the ambient temperature. This will allow your tire to hold the temperature and allow the rider to ride with confidence. It far less important for your tire to be exactly 180 degrees than it is for the carcass to be fully heat soaked.

It takes at least 45 minutes for this to happen in most all conditions.

brand of warmer and I’ve tried them all, on a day that it’s cold outside I always wrap the tire warmer up with a wheel wrap or a blanket.

On a cold day, spend the least amount of time on pit lane as possible. When I hit the track on a cool day with completely heat soaked tires, I go right out at the last second and ride hard right from the start. On particularly cool days, the tires will slowly cool down with every lap.

Be particularly careful late in the session on the first nondominant corner after a long straight.

For example a left hand corner on a clockwise track, as that is where most of the crashes are likely to occur.

In the end, race tires have the most grip, but there is a price to pay for the traction that they offer. The decision is up to you!

Until next time... Ride fast! Ride safe!

COLD/WINDY DAYS On cold days, your enemy is the wind. When Woodcaft tested tire warmers many years ago, we played with all kinds of insulation. The end result was that the difference between average insulation on warmers and crazy insulation, try 4 warmers stacked on top of each other, was actually very small on the ability of the warmer to retain heat. However, when we installed curtains on the side of the tire to block the wind, edge temperatures shot up 20 degrees, or more, depending on the day. Regardless of the SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 95

Legendary

POWER Great new

LOOKS Affordable

PRICE USA distribution exclusively from TM

Sport Bike Products that MAKE SENSE!!

GenIII

www.woodcraft-cfm.com 96 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

978-297-2977

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 97

THE FRICTION ZONE

THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN: PAYING THE COST TO BE THE BOSS WORDS: MICHAEL LAWLESS IMAGES: DON MILLER

I

t’s the last lap on the mile. You’re at wide open throttle in top gear, over 140mph on dirt... So close to the racer in front of you that you could reach out a touch him. Do you seize the moment and make a risky move that could end with one of you hurt or worst? Or do you suck it up, play it smart and give a prudent try?

If you make a mistake, your championship run is over. A racer makes difficult decisions.

98 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

He must do what’s right for the championship and not what feels good. He can’t be led by his ego. Years later, people remember who won championships more than a single race. After the battle, you say its good to finish second. You smile and sign autographs.

But inside it burns a hole in you. It takes a big man to win a championship.

Jared Mees has paid the cost to be the boss.

He has won four championships.

It irks me when I hear a racer say in a dismissive tone, “Jared Mees? Yeah... he knows how to win championships.”

Is that not enough? Being a racer comes with a hard life. All of your moves are under a microscope. You need to be mentally tough.

There is no room for self doubt. You’ve got to believe in yourself.

In the pits, I’m a fly on the wall. I’ve been impressed by Jared’s focus. He is the most professional racer in the AMA Pro Flat Track series. Whether it’s his presentation or his swagger. You feel that you’re dealing with a champion. He is one of the only racers to have a personal trainer. When someone made a smarmy comment about Jared having a man giving him a rub down, I point out that men have stronger hands. Furthermore, do you want some arm candy giving you a rub down in the SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 99

THE FRICTION ZONE: THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN

100 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

middle of the pits with your wife watching?

Jared’s too smart for that.

What does it take to be a professional?

Jared’s approach encompasses intense physical training, diet, riding and constantly working the business side of the sport.

His latest endeavor is to try his hand as race promoter for the Lima Half Mile race (June 25, 2016). It’s a well run event but Jared thinks he can make it even better. An interesting challenge for the champion. Lima is called a cushion track due to its unique surface which produces great racing. It’s a night race that has a summer’s carnival feel. Sure, you can watch it on Fanchoice.tv but you’ll miss the ambience of Lima.

Going to an AMA Pro Flat Track Race brings back memories of simpler times. They still pray before the race, sing the national anthem and hold a fan walk where you can meet the riders before they are introduced one by one before the main event. Then there is the intense flat SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 101

THE FRICTION ZONE: THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN

102 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

track racing followed by post race fireworks that add to the patriotic, all american vibe of the night. If you don’t go, you’ll miss the pageantry at this altar of speed.

know in my heart I could not ride it to its fullest.

Jared does and that’s why he is number one.

I couldn’t resist joking, “Do you think I am capable ride an XR in anger?”

When I asked for an interview, Jared joked that I just wanted to ride his Harley Davidson XR750 like the last press guy. I would but I

He laughs, “Only if you want to end up in the air fence.”

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 103

THE FRICTION ZONE: THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN

each other since before we were dating. It was just part of our lives.” Not many couples compete against each other facing mortal Jared rubs his chin and says when people make danger. Does this dynamic add an air of excitement to their relationship? Are they like me angry, he tries to learn from it. I get the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in “Mr. and Mrs feeling he doesn’t waste his time on negative thoughts. Jared is quick to credit his success Smith”? to his team, Rogers Racing and his wife Nicole.

It’s common to see a pretty woman on the arm After our conversations, I walked away even of a successful racer but Nicole is much more. more impressed with Jared. Considering the Until the end of 2015 season, Nicole Mees harsh training schedule, hectic lifestyle and was a front running Pro Flat Track racer, herself. the glamour of race day. Jared is humble I asked Jared, “Before Nicole retired, didn’t you and grateful to have the opportunity to be a paid professional motorcycle racer. Being the worry about your wife racing?” champion is just the icing on the cake.

His reply, “Not at all. We had been racing I tried to bait him by asking, “Have you ridden in anger?”

104 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 105

106 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SUMMER 2016 ...what to wear

WORDS: ALLAN LANE SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 107

THE FRICTION ZONE: WHAT TO WEAR

A

s the weather begins to warm in a large portion of the nation, many apparel companies release their spring and sumer safety gear, offering new fashion for riders to peruse and purchase. Watching the trends and understanding what the rider market is truly looking for in their apparel and gear is no easy task. It does come down to numbers but personal style and taste are heavy factors when determining what sells and what will sit on the rack.

Alpinestars’ new SMX 1 Air Glove is a great option for the street rider that is looking for protection and style. Their construction consists of a leather and mesh combination on the upper while the palm is a combination of suede and cowhide for grip and comfort. This light weight glove is designed to keep your hands cool while you are riding, even on the warmest of days. They also incorporate smart touch technology in the finger tips, which seems to be coming the normal, that allows you to access your smart phone or tablet without removing the glove.

To pair with the SMX 1 Air Glove, Alpinestars is offering the SMX 1 R Vented Boot. These boots are designed for the street rider yet pack a bunch of safety features and technology. A major concern when selecting footwear for the street rider has always been the comfort versus safety issue. A current trend among street riders and stunt riders is to wear high top sneakers. While they provide comfort while off of the bike, they offer zero protection while riding. The SMX 1 R Vented Boots address both concerns by incorporating accordion flex zones in the Achilles and instep areas, proper ventilation and a light 108 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

ALPINESTARS SMX 1 AIR GLOVES

ALPINESTARS SMX 1 R VENTED BOOTS

ALPINESTARS GP PRO LEATHER SUIT

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 109

THE FRICTION ZONE: WHAT TO WEAR weight design. You pair those features with a closure strap that follows the natural step of your foot, an exclusive rubber compound sole, toe sliders and over the ankle protection and you’ve got yourself a great pair of boots for the streets.

If you are looking to step up to the track this season or simply upgrade your track suit, then take a look at Alpinestars GP PRO Leather Suit. Including technology straight from MotoGP and WSBK, the GP PRO can be used in part with Alpinestars Tech Air Race airbag system and even features an LED read out

JOE ROCKET CLEO JACKET

110 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

panel on the left sleeve that displays the airbag status when the airbag is connected. External Dynamic Friction Shields are found in the elbows, knees and shoulders work in harmony with removable CE certified armor in likewise locations, all housed in 1.3mm full grain leather and reinforced with Kevlar stitching where it counts.

Joe Rocket is offering solid option for both male and female riders this season. Both the Meta X and the Cleo Elite jackets are priced well below the $400.00 mark and are equipped with features that make them top choices

JOE ROCKET ARTIME JOE GLOVES

JOE ROCKET META X JACKET for warmer weather riding. Joe Rocket’s Marketing Director, Steve Blakeney, gives the scoop on the Meta X, the Cleo Elite and their summer riding glove, the Artime.

“Nothing beats the protection of cowhide, but it can get expensive. That’s why the Meta X is an excellent alternative.

Embossed cowhide at the shoulders, arms, upper back, ribs, and hips combined with breathable ballistic nylon segments and C.E. certified armor provides all the impact protection required in key impact areas AND keeps this jacket under well $400.00.” Blakeney continues, “Besides the Cleo being the jacket that set the standard for ladies armored mesh jackets SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 111

THE FRICTION ZONE: WHAT TO WEAR ICON MOTOSPORTS MOTORHEAD JACKET

ICON MOTOSPORTS ALLIANCE GT HELMET 112 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

for years. The new Cleo Elite adds an aggressive ‘attack stance’ geometry and the ultra reflective Innolite weave to compliment it’s existing reflective logos and striping for an undeniable 360° of reflectivity.”

Blakeney concludes with Joe Rocket’s summer riding gloves, “With features to spare for under $60, the Artime Joe gloves main appeal is the selection of four unique graphic options created by internationally renowned graffiti and live paint artist Artime Joe AKA ‘The Wall Destroyer.’”

ICON Motosports’ General Manager, Justin Knauer explains the brand’s approach to

the 2016 riding season, “We’re focusing on the Alliance GT helmet, the Motorhead jacket and our textile jackets, for now. The Alliance GT helmet might not seam like your typical ICON product but it’s something our customers have been asking of us for a long time. Sure there are other helmets with drop shields in them but ours ship with a colored or tinted inner shield that hooks up with the colorway and is user replaceable with any of the other replacement shield colors we offer.” Knauer continues,”The biggest difference though is that you’re getting ICON quality and our graphics. No one else has that.”

ICON MOTOSPORTS WIREFORM JACKET

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 113

THE FRICTION ZONE: WHAT TO WEAR

SIDI SPEEDRIDE BOOTS Regarding the Motorhead and Wireform jackets, Knauer states, “The Motorhead jacket is a $380 jacket that will last you a lifetime. D3O protectors. Classic ICON style. Keep it simple. The Wireform jacket is what I refer to as a ‘workhorse jacket’ from us. You can wear this throughout the riding season while you split the grid.”

Jamie Lilly of Motonation lends her insight on AGVSport’s and Sidi’s offering for the 2016 season of riding. “AGVSport has been a leader in the motorcycle apparel world for over 30 years. They have always been competitively priced with great quality products. For 2016, I see us staying competitive in our marketplace 114 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

with attractive price points, quality, features and styling.” Lilly concludes, “Sidi is known for its legendary quality, fit and features.

For 2016 Sidi has added a competitively priced adventure Deep Rain boot and has addressed the growing retro market with the new Fast Rain and All Road boots. Look no further than the Sidi product line for any riding you do.”

Dainese and AGV Helmets keep it street for their summer products. The AGV AX-8 Naked Carbon helmet has a carbon fiber shell construction that makes it super light yet strong and durable. It’s borrows heavily from their motocross models and features a uniquely shaped face shield that offers an

AGVSPORT MISANO LEATHER JACKET

AGVSPORT ECHELON LEATHER GLOVES

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 115

THE FRICTION ZONE: WHAT TO WEAR

DAINESE 4 STROKE LONG GLOVES

DAINESE DYNO D1 PRO BOOTS

116 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

AGV AX-8 NAKED CARBON HELMET

optimized view of the road before you.

The Dainese 4 Stroke Long Gloves were built to take a beating while providing excellent feel. Their over the cuff design makes them applicable for street or track use. In the footwear department, the Daniese Dyno D1 Pro boots, take the protective features from the full height race boots and condense them into a street riding boot, without sacrifice. Engineered for the street rider, the Dyno D1 Pro boots are light weight, stylish and equipped with magnesium inserts and toe sliders.

There are plenty of options when it comes to summer riding gear and the ones mentioned only represent a selection of what’s available out there on the market. The most important thing is that you gear up properly for each and every ride. Go and visit your local dealer and get fitted so that whether you make purchases in store or online, you know what size you wear. Wearing the wrong sizes is just as bad as not wearing any gear at all. Know your sizes and get geared up. All the gear, all of the time.

Now go ride your bike.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 117

118 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

ZUMA JACKET / WWW.ROLANDSANDS.COM This jacket was not designed for the timid or faint-at-heart. Introducing the Zuma. With rotated, pre-curved sleeves, stretch nylon panel sleeve inserts, a dropped back and relaxed collar opening, the Zuma fits right in to the RSD family with its aggressive riding fit and features. And aggression is something that the Zuma has in aces. Made with topgrain Buffalo leather the Zuma offers extensive protection, increased two-fold by the include foam back protector and SAS-TEC certified Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 119

THE NEW ISH ICON MOTOSPORTS • WIREFORM JACKET The Wireform Jacket is presented as a three season jacket and it is packed with features to get the job done. The action fit provides slightly pre curved arms that work in harmony with the overall construction, making the Wireform an ideal sportbike jacket. D30 armor is found in the shoulders, elbows and back while a comfort molded neoprene collar aids the comfort factor at the neck. The Wireform ships with a removable insulated liner. Other features include reflective accents and details, level one waterproofing, thumb loops and plenty of pockets to stash and carry.

Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Red Sizes: S - XXL Price: $230.00 - $245.00 Contact: http://rideicon.com

NEW RAGE CYCLES • FRONT TURN SIGNALS FOR THE XDIAVEL

JOE ROCKET • ARTIME JOE “PIECE MAKER” GLOVES Joe Rocket teamed up with renowned graffiti artist Artime Joe for a collaboration on their series of summer riding gloves for the 2016 season. With stunning and bold graffiti art on the uppers of the glove, they are a hybrid construction of leather and textile. The knuckles are protected by injection molded armor as well as high density padding. The graphics are presented selective silicone printing and overlay artwork. The Piece Maker gloves also feature smart touch technology in the fingers for easy access to smart phones.

Sizes: S - XXL Price: $54.99 Contact: http://joerocket.com 120 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Clean up the front end of your XDiavel with the stylish and minimally designed LED front turn signals from New Rage Cycles. The NRG front signals are 1mm LEDs that shine bright in the day or night and are housed in CNC machined polycarbonate lenses.

Simple plug and play installation.

Price: $130.00 Contact: http://newragecycles.com

MOTO D RACING • FORK TUBE LAP TIMER HOLDER

Convenient, space saving and practical, the Fork Tune Lap Timer Holder offer a great way to mount your lap timer, GPS, data logger, etc. Made from aluminum and anodized black, the holder fits 50mm diameter fork tubes and ships with all necessary mounting hardware.

Price: $34.99 Contact: http://motodracing.com BROCK’S PERFORMANCE • PREDATOR ELECTRO BLACK SLIP ON FOR THE 2016 KAWASAKI ZX10R The Predator slip on is a three quarter system that eliminates the factory catalytic converter on your 2016 ZX10R. Comprised of a stainless steel muffler and titanium midpipe, the Predator offer a 66% savings in weight when compared to the stock system. Perhaps the most exclusive feature on the Predator is the finish and color. The electro black finish is achieved via a process that chemically colors the stainless steel. In the box, you’ll receive the muffler, midpipe, removable noise reduction insert, a pair of block off caps and all the necessary hardware for a non mod installation.

Price: $795.00 Contact: http://brocksperformance.com

DRIVEN RACING • PADDOCK STANDS

Driven Racing now offers you an inexpensive way for you to get your bike off of the ground with their three new paddock stands. Made from heavy duty steel, these stands are durable yet lightweight and equipped with features that really make a difference. There are three versions available: rear spool, front fork and front head lift. All have quad wheels with sealed bearings that allow for smooth rolling. Plastic knobs on the the rear and front fork stands allow for easy adjustments. The front head lift stand ships with five pins so it is applicable for most late model sportbikes. The stands are powder coated white and include zinc plated hardware to resist corrosion and extend the life of the stands.

Price: $98.99 - $128.99 Contact: http://drivenracing.com SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 121

THE NEW ISH AMERICAN KARGO • TURBO 3.0 HYDRATION PACK

Looking for a way to stay hydrated while on a long ride? The Turbo Hydration pack from American Kargo provides a 3.0 liter capacity that is thermal lined for your favorite fluids. The Turbo can house a 1.5, 2.0 or a 3.0 liter bladder to suit your needs.

Equipped with the game changing butterfly harness that keeps the pack where it belongs on your back, the Turbo does not hinder your movement while riding. The Turbo includes a quick access phone pocket and external heavy duty bungee cords.

Colors: Black, White, Hi Vis Price: $160.00 Contact: http://americankargo.com

WOODCRAFT CFM • FRONT AXLE SLIDER KIT FOR THE HONDA CBR1000RR

With fitment for the 2008 - 2016 Honda CBR1000RR, the Woodcraft front axle slider kit provide protection to your end but also assist in saving time when you need to remove the front wheel. The protection pucks are mounted perpendicularly which give a solid sliding surface. The perpendicular mount also allows for quick release pins that make tire changes and removal a snap.

ROLAND SANDS DESIGN • ZUMA LEATHER JACKET A definitive sport riding jacket, the Zuma features an aggressive fit and cut. Made from top grain buffalo leather, the Zuma includes CE certified level 2 armor in the shoulders and elbows along with a foam back protector.

Most notable is the RSD race hump and pre curved sleeves, dropped back and relaxed collar.

Sizes: S - XXXL Colors: Black, Timber Price: $750.00 Contact: http://rolandsands.com 122 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Price: $59.99 Contact: http://drivenracing.com

FRESH OIL & CO. • ORIGINAL TRUCKER HAT Show your love and support for motorcycle lifestyle brand Fresh Oil & Co. with their Original Trucker Hat. Unlike many other brand’s trucker hats, this one from Fresh Oil & CO. features a cotton twill high profile front panel. Styled with a heat transfer graphic, a flat bill and a snapback closure.

Price: $22.50 Contact: http://freshoilandco.com

ICON 1000 • ROYAL DRIVE PANTS The Royal Drive Pants from ICON 1000 are a relaxed fit riding pants designed to offer protection and comfort. Made from waxed canvas with leather accents, the Royals are equipped with D30 armor in the knee area that can placed in one of three pockets for proper placement.

Sizes: 28 - 44 waist Price: $100.00 Contact: http://rideicon.com VOODOO INDUSTRIES • SIDEWINDER EXHAUST FOR THE KAWASAKI ZX14

This is a full exhaust system for the Kawasaki ZX14, all model years (2006-2016). Featuring a four inch diameter, stainless steel megaphone exhaust with a two and half inch removable baffle.

Increase your horse power and improve the sound of your ride with this upgrade set up. The total system weighs under twelve pounds so there is a solid difference in weight when compared to the stock system. In the box, you’ll find everything that you need for a painless install, including billet block offs for the required removal of the oil cooler. The pipes clear the stock oil pan but an aftermarket oil pan is suggested. plenty of boost in power and sound, all for under $900.00.

Price: $899.95 Contact: http://voodoomoto.com SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 123

THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM AGV HELMETS • PISTA GP HELMET Valentino Rossi helped developed the Pista GP helmet. Designed specifically for racing, the Pista GP is a full carbon fiber helmet composed with the highest level of engineering for comfort, protection and ergonomics. The Pista GP features the new AGV Integrated Ventilation System which improves airflow by almost 200% over the AGV GP Tech line of

helmets. Other highlights include an optimized field of vision with consideration for riders at speed and in full tuck position, advanced helmet aerodynamics and new quick release visor mechanism complete with a front microlock system the reduces the chances of the visor opening in the event of an accident.

Colors: Italia, Gunmetal Red Sizes: XS - XXXL Price: $1,399.95 Contact: http://agv.com 124 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

@FATS_BAR

FUEL FOR THE ROAD AHEAD Keep your mind right and your body fueled with our clean fats-based snack bar. Going for a long ride with your buddies?

Getting ready for your next race? Feeling hangry? Don’t worry..

We’ve got you covered all day every day!

JOIN THE CONVERSATION USING #FATSME

Gluten Free - Vegan - Non-GMO - Healthy Snack Bar

Visit FATSBAR.com For More Info or To Order Now!

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 125

STAFF STUFF TISSOT • T RACE CHRONOGRAPH Allan Lane

K

eeping time is elemental. I haven’t always been the most punctual individual but I’m really working on it.

It’s courteous and a show of respect to be on time for appointments and events. Wearing a wristwatch has been a tool in my attempts at self improvement.

and secure on your lower arm. Its low profile fits neatly under the cuff of gauntlet gloves and sits nicely just about the cuff of wrist length gloves. One of the most attractive factors is the face of the watch. It’s not busy. Some watch faces are. Bombarded with data and dials and everything else, leaving the face complicated and difficult to decrypt. Less is more and in this the regard, the T Race is on point. It features the basics and that’s all you need. The T Race is the base model for the MotoGP and World Superbike special edition watches.

It’s tough. It’s reliable. It’s easy to operate. More importantly, it’s helping me keep track of my time.

I’ve been wearing the Tissot T Race wristwatch for almost two years now and I’ve really come to rely on it. Most people rely on their smart phones for time keeping and I admit that I still will glance at my phone if it’s in front of me or on my desk. But overall, the Tissot T Race has become part of my riding kit. Beyond being part of my everyday apparel, whenever I get suited and http://www.tissotwatches.com booted to ride, my watch is on my wrist.

The Tissot T Race is sleek, attractive and functional. The Rating: 6 (out of 6) rubber wristband and clasp closure makes it comfortable

126 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 127