SportBikes Inc Magazine April 2017 by Hard Knocks Unlimited

ROAD RACING • DRAG RACING • STUNT RIDING • CUSTOM BIKES • LIFESTYLE

APRIL 2017 VOL 7 ISSUE 7

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM

2017 YAMAHA

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THE GRID LIFE: EYES UP! | RICKEY GADSON’S 229MPH ASSAULT ON THE TEXAS MILE | MOTOGP WITH B.T. | ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY: KILL BILL | DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK 2017

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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.

Â© Ducati North America 2016

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CONTENTS

APRIL 2017 - VOLUME 7, ISSUE 7 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=16

16 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=20 20 THE FIRST RIDE http://issuu.com/action/page?page=36 36 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=42 42 THE GRID LIFE - By Patricia Fernandez http://issuu.com/action/page?page=48 48 MOTOGP WITH B.T. - By B.T. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=54 54 THE NUMBERS - By Brad Binder http://issuu.com/action/page?page=62 62 ASPHALT AND OPPORTUNITY - By Brian and Julian Glascoe http://issuu.com/action/page?page=88 88 THE LION'S DEN - By Lion James http://issuu.com/action/page?page=94 94 FEATURED RIDERS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=100 100 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Eric Wood http://issuu.com/action/page?page=124 124 THE NEW ISH http://issuu.com/action/page?page=130 130 STAFF STUFF

FEATURED RIDER: PETE ASHMAN http://issuu.com/action/page?page=95 PAGE 95 4 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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FEATURES

APRIL 2017 - VOLUME 7, ISSUE 7

THE FIRST RIDE: 2017 YAMAHA YZF-R6

MOTOGP WITH B.T.: A NEW ALIEN EMERGES

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=86

RICKEY GADSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 229MPH ASSAULT ON THE TEXAS MILE

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THE GRID LIFE: EYES UP!

ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY: KILL BILL

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DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK 2017

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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 Staff Writers: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com Lion James lion@sportbikesincmag.com B.T. bt@sportbikesincmag.com

Contributing Photographers: Brian J. Nelson Asphalt & Opportunity Leon Brittain Kiana Gadson Lion James MotoGP.com

Copy Editor: Angela Lane angela@sportbikesincmag.com Contributors: Adam Waheed Brad Binder

SportBikes Inc Magazine - April 2017 Volume 7, Issue 7 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2017 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.

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TO THRILL

EXH I L A R ATI O N C O M E S STA N DA R D There’s nothing like it on the road. You’re nailed back in the seat when 175 Slingshot® horsepower kicks in and you scramble to keep up with the 5-speed transmission. It’s the closest thing to a sportbike on three-wheels.

Always wear helmets, seat belts, and don’t drink and drive. Drivers may need a valid motorcycle endorsement. Don’t drink and drive. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM |9 SLINGSHOT® is a registered trademark of Polaris Industries Inc. ©2017 Polaris Industries Inc.

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10 YEA

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WWW.CLU

AR ANNIVERSARY

L U T C H ONTROL

0 1 7 ILLY IN PHILLY

ING•PHILADELPHIA, PA•SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

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FROM THE EDITOR

aytona Beach Bike Week has always held a special spot in my heart, ever since my first rally, way back when. While all bike rallies are an amazing gathering of like minded two wheeled individuals, there is something different about Daytona. Sturgis is Sturgis. Myrtle is Myrtle. However, I have always found that Daytona held a unique perspective of the global motorcycle community. When you look at the action that happens during Daytona: the custom bikes, the shows, the music, the culture, the subculture… and some of the best racing on the planet, it is easy to see why so many return year after year. Over the last few years, to be honest, Daytona has lost some of its draw. That can be blamed on a number of reasons, none of which am I going to get into now. The 2017 Daytona Beach Bike Week seemed to have a resurgence of energy and there are a number of reasons for that. You can start with the Daytona 200 and it’s supporting races. That race alone is worth the trip to Florida. But there was a race event this year that, dare I say, surpassed the fever of the 200. The inaugural Harley Davidson Daytona TT was more than an evening of flat track racing… It was a true race party. Hats off to the AMA Pro Flat Track Racing organization and to the team at AFT Events. There were more race fans in the stands for the Daytona TT than there was for the 200 and that says a lot about 14 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

the state of the racing culture. Great racing is great racing. But if the people don’t know about the great racing, will they come? The answer is no. Taking that to heart, AFT Events not only did a tremendous job of marketing and promoting the TT, they delivered the big show that was so needed to revamp the vigor of Daytona Beach Bike Week. Over on Main Street, North Beach Street and Bethune Boulevard and at Destination Daytona and other hot spots, some of the most creative and visually stunning custom bikes builds created a festival of lights, color and sounds. There’s great food, music and some of the best people watching on the continental U.S. If you were to stop and park at any of the above mentioned locations, you would see more types people and variations of rides in about 30 minutes, without moving an inch. It’s the bike world in a fish bowl. Daytona Beach Bike Week is an important part of the culture, for both the consumer market and the manufacturer side of the industry. If you haven’t made the trip, put it on the schedule for 2018. If Daytona is an annual pilgrimage for you, keep it that way. I’ll see you in 2018. Best, Allan allan@sportbikesincmag.com

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.

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THE PRESS ROOM

INDUSTRY NEWS 2017 INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY May 6 is International Female Ride Day. Female riders also over the globe are encouraged to celebrate the sisterhood of female riders by just riding. Whether you are an organizer of a ride, participate in a rides, ride solo… It doesn’t matter. Just ride. And that is the theme for the of campaign, “Just Ride”. Founded in 2007 by Vicki Gray, the movement has grown over the decade of its formal existence. “International Female Ride Day provides a platform for women riders to bond with other women, develop friendships and continue to enjoy motorcycling!” states Vicki Gray. To see how you can participate in this year’s International Female Ride Day, click HERE.

YAMAHA ISSUES MAJOR RECALL Over 22,000 units have been recalled by Yamaha for the following models: FJ-09, FZ09 and XSR900 (model years 2015-2017). The reason for the recall is that the lower handle bar holder may loosen due to an issue with the paint and insufficient thread locker application. Owners will be notified and the dealer network has been instructed to replace the lower handlebar holder at no charge to the customer. 16 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

INDIAN RELEASES THEIR CHIEFTAIN LIMITED AND CHIEFTAIN ELITE Indian Motorcycles continue their assault on the Bagger class with their two new editions of their Chieftain. Both the Chieftain Limited and the Chieftain Elite feature new lower profiled open front fenders with new ten spoke, 19 inch contrast cut front wheels. They are powered by the Thunderstroke 111 engine that packs 119 foot pounds of torque and have key elements to enhance the rider experience: keyless ignition, remote locking saddlebags, ABS, chrome

front highway bars and power adjustable windshields. MSRP for the Chieftain Limited is $24,499.00. The Chieftain Elite is on another level. Only 350 units will be created with each bike going through 25 hours of hand painting, highlighted by Red Candy and Marble Accents. And you can scoff at the 200 watt premium audio system. The limited edition Elite has a sticker price of $31,499.00.

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THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS THE 2018 HONDA NM4

It would be difficult to not acknowledge the Anime inspiration that is seated at the foundation of the design of the Honda NM4. One canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but to note the likeness to the famed motorcycle featured in the movie animated Akira.

parallel twin engine is liquid cooled. The six speed dual clutch transmission can be moderated via the handlebar paddle mounted buttons or you can select to ride in automatic mode and the bike do the work. Other features include: a 25 color LED display, integrated front and rear LED lights The Honda NM4 was introduced as a 2016 and a utility box with a 12 volt socket. MSRP is model. It returns to the market in 2018 with some $11,299.00. notable upgrad`es and improvements. The 670cc,

THE 2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET ROD The new HD Street Rod is the latest street ride from Harley and it packs a punch. Starting with the engine, a High Output Revolution X 750 engine t ha t pro d uc es 1 8 % more horsepower and 8% more torque than the standard Harley Davidson Revolution X 750 engine. The Street Rod has a new larger air box, new dual throat throttle body and a increased redlineâ&#x20AC;Ś 9,000rpm from 8,000rpm. MSRP $8,699.00. 18 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

JANUARY 28 ARIZONA MOTORSPORTS PARK

FEBRUARY 20-21 INDE MOTOSPORTS RANCH

MARCH 6 BUTTONWILLOW

MARCH 7-8 BUTTONWILLOW

MARCH 20-21 INDE MOTOSPORTS RANCH

APRIL 17-18 INDE MOTOSPORTS RANCH

STREET OR TRACK

MAY 8-9 INDE MOTOSPORTS RANCH

MAY 22 NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK

MAY 23-24 NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK

JUNE 8-9 NEW YORK SAFETY TRACK

JUNE 20 NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK

JUNE 21-22 NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK

JULY 11-12 NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK

AUG 3-4 NEW YORK SAFETY TRACK

SEPT 11-12

CHAMPSCHOOL.COM

NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK

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2017 YAMAHA

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YAMAHA SHARPENS THE BLADE OF ITS YZF-R6 SUPERSPORT TO FURTHER DISTANCE ITSELF FROM THE COMPETITION. BUT DID THE TUNING FORK MEN SUCCEED? SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 21

THE FIRST RIDE: 2017 YAMAHA YZF-R6

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YAMAHA’S YZF-R6 is

one of, if not, the most iconic 600cc Supersports ever made. Since its original release in the spring of 1999, Yamaha has produced over 153,000 R6s. While most live on the street, a fair number pull trackday duty, or are converted for road racing. Yamaha carefully appeased its existing audience, as well as attracting riders seeking added excitement with the 2017 YZF-R6. You don’t become an icon without swagger, and from nose to tail, the R6 drips it. This time Yamaha tapped their US design team for its exterior appearance. The result? The most radicallooking sportbike Yamaha has ever made. When the YZF-R1 was released two years ago, it was obvious where it took its YZR-M1 styling cues from. However this 600 pushes the design envelope further by matching Valentino Rossi’s two-of-a-kind prototype almost identically. An externally reshaped and still massive central air intake feeds the compact and deep sumpequipped water-cooled Inline Four engine. Yamaha makes no qualms about leaving the mechanics of the engine unchanged. Keep in mind, despite its age, this is the highest revving SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 23

THE FIRST RIDE: 2017 YAMAHA YZF-R6 production motorcycle engine made, with a maximum running speed of nearly 16,000 rpm! Yet it can run for 24,000 miles until scheduled valve clearance check — impressive.

of bright light produced by this setup. A set of LED mirrors with foldable stalks complement the modern lighting. Above, a nearly two-inch taller windscreen does a superior job of channeling dirty air over the rider’s helmet reducing unwanted The intake is flanked by two svelte LED running turbulence. or “position” lights. Tucked in below are a pair of ultra-bright LED head beams. We didn’t have an The side fairings are sleeker as well, as is the opportunity to ride the R6 at night, but based on 4.6-gallon fuel tank, that’s now stamped from our experience with the 2015-2017 YZF-R1/S, aluminum instead of steel, shaving 2.6-pounds. you’re going to be impressed by the deep swath It also features similar vent slits atop the tank just

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like the R, and M1. The rear end slimmed via a narrower subframe that continues to be cast from magnesium like the 2008-2016 machine. The tail section has an aerodynamic appearance courtesy hollow cutouts just like the new R1. It also shares its skinny LED tailight. Lastly, the rear fender/license plate bracket can be easily removed for trackdays.

The ergonomics were tweaked with a flatter and more narrow rider seat. The position is less slanted where the fuel tank and seat meet. The gas tank has deeper knee cutouts for a better squeeze. This all equates to a riding position that allows for more control during negative g braking and full-throttle acceleration.

All told, Yamaha says that the 2017 R6 is the most aerodynamic motorcycle that’s ever rolled off the factory floor with an 8% decrease in wind resistance compared to the old bike. On the scale however, it weighs two pounds more due in part to the addition of ABS. You’d be hard pressed to think it felt any heavier though while riding.

Because it’s a 600, low end power is nothing to write home about. It is enough to out pace most cars off the line, but if you want to experience the real fun, get the engine spinning north of 10,000 rpm. Here the YZF’s screaming wail is music to a sport riders ears. The sound of four tiny alloy pistons

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2017 YAMAHA YZF-R6 and 16 titanium valves moving in harmony is as magical-sounding as it gets. Yamaha’s variable length intake stacks (YCC-I) boost mid-range performance which helps the R6 drive off turns. Above 13,700 rpm the stacks lower, acting like a small shot of boost, providing draft-passing top-end power.

also now included. The electronics offer three settings (B/STD/A) permitting the rider to tweak the response of the throttle. ‘STD’ is the standard setting with ‘A’ offering sharper response and ‘B’ slightly muted. We’re normally not fans of ‘A’ mode on other Yamaha street bikes, but with the R6 it works perfectly.

The six-speed gearbox close gear ratios make the most of the R6’s peaky powerband and for ’17 it comes pre-wired for Yamaha’s accessory electronic quickshifter. Our test machine was outfitted with the $199 add-on and it performed flawlessly. It would be nice however if offered auto-blip downshift functionality as downshifts have to be made the old fashioned way with a choreographed combination of the hands and left foot.

Considering the R6’s modest engine displacement, you want each and every torque lb-ft at instantly when the right hand is twisted, especially on track. Conversely, if you’re a new rider, or are moving up from a smaller machine, ‘B’ mode will help you get acclimated to the R6’s powerband in a less intimidating way.

Mixed digital/analog instrumentation borrowed from the 2009-2014 generation YZF-R1 keeps tabs on the R6’s vitals. Like before it includes a bright and programmable upshift light and is the interface to manipulate traction control and D-Mode adjustable throttle mode settings.

While we love its new styling and added electronics, handling is what’s always made the R6, well a R6.

A new front end was fitted, complete with 2mm larger diameter KYB inverted fork (as used on the current R1). A thinner bottom triple clamp was installed to offset the extra rigidity of the front suspension. A thicker front axle complements the set-up, further allowing Yamaha engineers to Opposed to the IMU (internal measurement unit, tweak front end feel. think gyro and accelerometer) equipped system on the current R1, Yamaha’s new 600 employs Spring preload and damping adjustment moves a system based on the 2012 R1. It reads wheel atop each fork leg. Out back, the old ramp-style speed data, engine rpm, throttle, and gear preload-adjustable shock was ditched for a more position to detect wheel spin. If the threshold modern version with a threaded collar (for finer exceeds allowed parameters, it applies correction adjustment), yet still includes four-way adjustment, via ignition timing, cylinder fueling and/or including high/low-speed compression damping. manipulating the throttle butterfly valve opening. This ensures immediate, but natural response. On the braking side, new radial-mount Advic monoblock calipers pinch oversized and 10mm Six settings are available, with Level 6 offering the larger rotors. The hardware is powered by most intervention and Level 1 the least. Adjustment a Nissin radial-pump master cylinder further can be made on the fly, while riding via simple boosting precious front brake feel. Fixed, alwaysand easy-to-use switch gear on the clip-on. on ABS is now standard helping allow the rider to However to disable TC the motorcycle has to be use the brakes to their full potential without having stopped. to worry about skidding to a stop. The external size of the rear brake caliper was also reduced. Yamaha’s D-Mode variable throttle mapping is 26 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2017 YAMAHA YZF-R6

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THE 2017 YZF-R6 PUSHES THE DESIGN ENVELOPE FURTHER BY MATCHING VALENTINO ROSSIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TWO OF A KIND PROTOT YPE ALMOST IDENTICALLY.

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2017 YAMAHA YZF-R6

THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS RIGID ENOUGH TO FEEL WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENING AT THE BUSINESS END OF THE TIRE, YET HAS ENOUGH FLEX TO ABSORB BUMPS.

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In application the updated suspension and front brakes work wonders transforming an already excellent handling sportbike into an experience reserved for the latest Playstation road race games.

cylinder and ABS allow you to extort more of handling and grip potential than ever before. The chassis, however can be prone to headshake during all-out fast laps so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to fit a steering damper if trackdays or racing Like before, the R6 still turns on a dime, but it offers is on the menu. vastly more feedback when doing so. With the fitment of racing-spec Bridgestone Battlax R10 Folks might bemoan Yamaha for not making rubber (S21s or Dunlop Spormax D214s are enough mechanical changes to the 2017 R6. standard) the level of feedback that the chassis But we challenge you to rip a couple laps around gives at lean is exemplary. your favorite circuit. Then tell us how you feel. The fact of the matter is, the new R6 is finest handling The front suspension is rigid enough to feel what’s motorcycle Yamaha’s ever made, and if you’re happening at the business end of the tire, yet has seeking the utmost in pure-sport riding thrills you enough flex to absorb bumps. The more powerful won’t be disappointed. We dare you. brake hardware along with the feel-rich master SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 31

THE FIRST RIDE: 2017 YAMAHA YZF-R6

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2017 YAMAHA YZF-R6 SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE: 599cc liquid-cooled Inline Four, DOHC, 16-valve BORE X STROKE: 67 x 42.5 mm COMPRESSION RATIO: 13.1:1 FUEL DELIVERY: Dual Stage Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I CLUTCH: Wet multi-plate slipper clutch; Cable actuation TRANSMISSION: Six speed FINAL DRIVE: Chain, 16/45 gearing FRAME: Twin spar aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION: KYB inverted 43mm fork with preload, compression and rebound damping adjustment; 4.7 in. travel REAR SUSPENSION: KYB gas-charged shock with preload, high/low-speed compression and rebound damping adjustment; 4.7 in. travel FRONT BRAKES: 320mm discs with radialmount Advic four-piston calipers REAR BRAKE: 220mm disc with twin-piston caliper WHEELS: Cast aluminum 17 x 3.5-inch front, 17 x 5.0-inch rear TIRES: Dunlop Sportmax D214 or Bridgestone Battlax S21; 120/70-17, 180/55-17 CURB WEIGHT: 419 pounds WHEELBASE: 54.1 in. RAKE: 24.0 deg. Trail: 3.8 in. SEAT HEIGHT: 33.5 in. FUEL CAPACITY: 4.6 gallons MSRP: $12,199 WARRANTY: One year unlimited mileage

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F in d y o ur fav o r it e l oc a l de a l e r on www.ta wper fo r mance.co m/dealer s SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 35

THE PRESS ROOM

GRID NEWS

ENTER TO WIN THE ROLL WITH US MOTOAMERICA SWEEPSTAKES

MotoAmerica is offering a chance for one luck fan to win an all expenses paid trip to the season finale of the 2017 season Barber Motorsports Park. The Roll With Us Sweepstakes is sponsored by J&P Cycles, Honda Generators, Dainese, AGV And Cortech.

two, as well as a Honda EU2000i Generator. The first place winner will receive a pair of Dainese Carbob D1 Short Gloves, a Dainese Wave Back Protector and an AGV k-5 S Helmet. The second place winner will win a Cortech Latino 2.0 Jacket while the third place winner will win a MotoAmerica Swag bag. The grand prize winner will receive travel and You have until July 31, 2017 to enter. CLICK HERE accommodations, car rental and tickets to the race for to do so. Good luck!

PARTS UNLIMITED BACKS MOTOAMERICA FOR A SECOND YEAR Parts Unlimited is returning for a second year as an associate sponsor for the 2017 MotoAmerica Series. Beyond race series support, Parts Unlimited will set up their Fan Appreciation Stage as well as Dealer VIP hospitality areas at select rounds. The Appreciation Stage will be set up at the

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Road America, Barber Motorsports Park, Sonoma Raceway, Pittsburgh International Race Complex and New Jersey Motorsports Park rounds. The Dealer VIP hospitality will be set up at the Road America, Barber, Sonoma, Pittsburgh and New Jersey rounds.

RECORD ATTENDANCE AT THE INAUGURAL AMERICAN FLAT TRACK DAYTONA TT The 2017 American Flat Track season kicked off with a bang at the first ever, Harley Davidson Daytona TT held at the Daytona International Speedway on March 16. With attendance of an estimated 9,500 fans, AFT Events, American Flat Track Racing’s internal promotions company, has set a new bar in creating events that engage both the fans and the media. Counting in the viewership from FansChoice.tv, more than 32,000 unique viewers tuned in to watch the race as it streamed live. Additionally, the American Flat Track’s Facebook Live reached 1,600,000 views.

disappointment. The Indian Scout FTR750 took first and second place, piloted by Jared Mees and 2016 Grand National Champion, Bryan Smith, All eyes were on Indian Motorcycles’ return to respectively. This victory marked a triumphant American Flat Track Racing and there was no return for Indian after a 63 year hiatus.

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THE PRESS ROOM: GRID NEWS MICHELIN RETURNS AS TITLE SPONSOR FOR THE AUSTRALIAN GP Michelin Tyres will once again be the main sponsor of the Australian round of the 2017 MotoGP Season. Dorna a nd Michel in have signed a agreement for the sole tyre supplier to be be the title sponsor for the October 20 22 race weekend at Phillip Island. The race is officially named the the Michelin Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

ARGENTINA IS SET TO HOST WORLD SUPERBIKE IN 2018 Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new track in the Province of San Juan, Argentina under construction and they have just signed a three year agreement to host World Superbike race events. Designed by Leonardo Stella, construction of the 4.2 kilometer, 19 corner

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(11 left and 8 right) circuit began in October of 2016 and is scheduled to be completed later this year. Inclusion of the Villicum Circuit will make Argentina the 26th country to host the World Superbike Series.

ROADRACE FACTORY 2017 LIVERY REVEALED With the excitement of Honda returning to the American racing paddock, the Genuine Broaster Chicken Honda Roadrace Factory Team has unveiled their livery for the 2017 season. Enjoy!

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april 21 - 23

Circuit of the Americas

april 28 - 30 road atlanta

May 12 - 14

virginia international raceway

june 2 - 4

august 25 - 27

june 23 - 25

utah motorsports campus

pittsburgh international race complex

july 7 - 9

september 8 - 10

mazda raceway laguna seca

august 11 -13 sonoma raceway

new jersey motorsports park

september 15 - 17

barber motorsports park

road america * schedule subject to change

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WSBK SOPHISTICATION, APPROVED FOR THE STREET.

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THE GRID

THE GRID LIFE

WORDS: PATRICIA FERNANDEZ IMAGES: BRIAN J. NELSON 42 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

EYES UP!

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THE GRID: THE GRID LIFE

017 Daytona 200 in the books! Woohoo! 69 preregistered riders, 63 on the starting grid, and I was the only female competitor! What a tough race it was. I am so thankful for all the training I had been doing in the off season to prepare my body for tough battle ahead. My team was well prepared and on point with their pit stops! I didn’t have the qualifying I had hoped for, but with so many fast racers out there, I was happy to take home a 21st place finish. One thing I caught myself doing sometimes is not

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looking far enough ahead. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with one of the best coaches out there, Jason Pridmore, and have been trained where to look. When you look further ahead the sensation of speed seems slower. For example, if I look 20 feet ahead of me, traveling at a speed of 100mph, I will reach that reference point quickly. However, if I am traveling the same speed and look 100 feet ahead, it will take me longer to reach that point, therefore I feel as though I am traveling slower. This Is a trick all racers have to teach themselves to train our minds. We look multiple steps ahead to plan for what’s next and keep our speeds up. When I am battling in a race

it is easier for me to look further, but when I am riding alone I find myself not always looking far enough ahead. The good thing about catching myself is I can correct it immediately. I find the same true for me when I run too. When I am running and I start looking farther ahead I increase my speed without noticing it. Once I set a destination or a goal for me to achieve, my mind and my body both work together to get there. It is great practice for me to tell myself “eyes up” while I run because I then apply that same concept on

the race track. It is a good tactic for all of us to try. I would love for you all to challenge yourself and try this technique. Next time you are running, dirt biking, cycling, or on the race track, look far ahead. Tell yourself “eyes up!” On the race track, always think a step ahead. When you are braking, look at the apex of the turn. Before you get to the apex look at the exit. Before you get to the exit look at your next point. I hope this information helps. I would love to hear feedback! SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 45

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THE GRID

MOTOGP WITH B.T.

WORDS: B.T. IMAGES: COURTESY OF MOTOGP.COM 48 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

A NEW ALIEN EMERGES WHILE CHAMPIONS FALL. THE START OF THE MOTOGP SEASON!

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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

OTOGP fans have been eagerly awaiting the start of the season like most of us await a tax return! And as is the case, we weren't disappointed. Going into the season, the talk around the paddock was Maverick Vinales. He topped the time sheets in every preseason test and looked on paper to be the man to beat! After all he was with arguably the number one factory team in all the paddock, Yamaha! With a nine time World Champion on one side of the garage and a recently departed three time World Champion, the weight would definately be on Vinales' shoulders. Could he handle the pressure of being with a 50 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

team that was expected to win? Well, after two Grand Prixs that question has been answered emphatically. Maverick has shown poise, grace and pure masterclassmanship in his two victories in the season. In an odd race weekend in Qatar where the desert received water as if it was Seattle, Maverick methodically picked off his prey after a slow start and wasn't really challenged after grabbing the lead from Andrea Dovizioso. In Argentina, another bizarre weather related day that played havoc with the riders on qualifying day, Vinales overcame a second row start and a Marc Marquez gaffe to secure a second victory

were he wasn't really challenged.

Guessing that Scott Redding would somehow be ahead of Marc Marquez in the Champioships would have gotten you a lot of sideways stares and possibly a trip to the crazy house but that is how Honda's new rocket is treating the five time World Champ. After a fourth at Qatar and starting from pole in Argentinia, you just knew the Champ would get back in the hunt sooner rather than later but...Something strange happened on the way to the forum. Marquez, possibly feeling the need to show he's still number one, pushed to hard and crashed, which brings us to Austin.

After two races Vinales is as good or even better than advertised, while Jorge Lorenzo seems to struggle as many thought he would aboard the Ducati. So much so that he's been out scored by Ducati's satellite riders, which has to be embarrassing for the three time World Champion. In Qatar, he placed 11th and a first turn crash in Argentinia ended his day early. Saying Lorenzo is having a tough time coming to grips with the Ducati is like calling The Kardashians kinda crazy! The look on his face says it all. I predict Lorenzo will somehow turn it around but when that will be Austin will be interesting for a couple of reasons. is anyone's guess.

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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

Marquez is undefeated in America and Vinales is undefeated so far. Meaning...Someone's "0" must go! While all this is going on, Valentino Rossi is quietly campaigning for a tenth title, with two podiums and showing no signs of slowing down. Along with rookie sensations Johann Zarco and Jonas Folger, MotoGP looks to be even better than last year. But I seriously doubt that you will 52 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

see more than four different winners. Last year was more like Halley's Comet than the norm but still,this year looks to be even better. And this is before they head to Europe where they say the real season begins! Stay tuned GP Geeks, it's just getting started!

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THE GRID

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

BRAD BINDER

#41

"Because my favorite rider was Haga when I was a lighty and I liked his helmet." 54 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

IMAGES: COURTESY OF BRAD BINDER SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 55

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THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

NATHAN REDDING

ADRIAN HACKETT

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

NAME: Nathan Redding HOMETOWN: New Holland, PA AGE: 35 years old. SPONSORS: Metric Devil Moto, family and friends and always looking for more support. SERIES: Championship Cup Series/American Sportbike Racing Association. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2016 Team ProMotion GPMOTO Cup supersport champion. 13 wins in CCS this year, so far. GOALS: To win Overall Amateur in the Atlantic Region for 2017 and to go on and win Expert Races, hopefully. I want to do everything possible and take myself as far as I can go! DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: My passion is to chase my dream in racing motorcycles and be a great ambassador for OUR sport by getting as many people into it as possible. IMAGES: NATHAN REDDING SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 59

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THE STRAIGHT LINE

ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY

WORDS//IMAGES: BRIAN AND JULIAN GLASCOE 62 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

DESMOND J. SPAULDING:

L L I B L KIL SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 63

THE STRAIGHT LINE: ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY

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n life we all go through our own ups and downs. Over the years we will lose people that are our source of inspiration and all that we will have left are the memories. Life is not about the stumble, it’s about how you recover from the stumble and that often takes time. The goal is to get up and find a way to use it as motivational source because deep inside you know that is how they would want it to be. Over the years, I have personally found that motorcycles are therapeutic and they can sometimes take you somewhere mentally to a place where nothing else matters except the finish line. This month we reached out to Desmond Spaulding of Clarkton, NC, a young man that has been through the rough times and made the most of it. You have to be a bad man to get a nickname like “KILL BILL” in this racing game. SBI: You were voted the 2016 Grudge Racer of The Year known as the GROTY award. Tell us about how it felt to be given this award at the end of the 2016 racing season knowing that it was voted upon by your racing peers? KB: Man… That was a great feeling to even be

in the running for the 2016 GROTY and when they said that I had won, I was like a kid in a candy store. It’s not easy at all to win this award simply because of the competition. I worked hard everyday between testing and tuning in preparation for race day. On the day of the event I had to perform. I had to perform to the bikes full potential and to my full potential on every pass that my team and I made. Everyone knows their role and this was a team accomplishment. My team won this award and without the help and support of my team, family, and fans… I couldn’t have made it. SBI: Everyone is gunning for you this season. But it’s tough against Roger Starrette and those ZX14’s. Tell us about how this combination came together? Everybody knew that it was only a matter of time before someone figured out the formula to getting the max performance out of these second generation Kawasakis and Roger has changed the game. KB: How I met Roger? I would have to say we were talking as a team one day about trying a SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 65

THE STRAIGHT LINE: ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY

DESMOND J. SPAULDING

L L I B KILL

AKA IMPORTS OF COLUMBIA RACING HOMETOWN: Clarkton, NC HOME TRACK: Rico Dragway SHOP: East Side Performance (ESP) and Roger Starrette Racing (RSR) SPONSORS: RSR and MCZ Leathers

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY

different class. A few days went by and I got a phone call and that said I need you to come test a new bike that the team was buying. I grabbed my leathers and jumped on the road and went to go test and that's when I first met Roger. Everyone knows Roger from the IDBL and MANCUP series, but his knowledge is incredible once you meet him and talk to him. We started talking and he started working with me on different things to see how well I could adjust from different bike setups and he was amazed. We all became the family that we are today. Roger is a mastermind when it comes to motorcycles and some of the conversations that we have a lot of people in the motorcycle world would never understand. He knows these ZX-14â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so well that before I make a pass, he already knows a dialed in number of what the bike is going to do before he sees the tickets. It's crazy. Â SBI: Last season you won most categories at the Kings of Grudge series making it hard on the competition. This upcoming 2017 racing season, what goals does Team Imports of Columbia have in mind and is there anyone in particular in your sites? KB: The team wants to try and repeat what we did last season so with that being said I'm going to turn it up on the competition a little bit more then I did in 2016. I already asked has GROTY ever been won back to back and it hasn't been done yet, so I'm gonna try and make history. We have a lot of new tricks up our sleeves this year. One thing about my team is if you're not on our team you are in our sights and nobody is safe. Whether it's the 1/8th mile or out the back door. Every race, the competition will have to come through us! 68 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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THE STRAIGHT LINE

229MPH ASSAULT O

LINES OF A LEGEND

WORDS: RICKEY GADSON IMAGES: COURTESY OF RICKEY GADSON 70 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

ON THE TEXAS MILE

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF A LEGEND

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ver the last 30 years my followers have known me to be into 1/4 mile drag racing only. Since the 2015 release of the most powerful production motorcycle on the planet, the Kawasaki Ninja H2, I've decided to take on a new challenge which is to see how fast I can travel in one mile instead of the 1/4 mile. In early 2016 I received an FaceBook inbox from Texas native John Paul Faircloth who simply said, "I don't care how long it takes, but build me the baddest H2 in the country." And so my project had begun. I've succeeded in expanding my accomplishments in other countries by establishing myself as the fastest man on two wheels in two places outside of the U.S. Just weeks ago we broke our own record in India when we were the first motorcycle in the 9.50 zone on a borrowed Ninja H2. Just a couple days after returning from India my next trip was to Victoria, Texas for the Texas Mile event in an attempt to break the 220mph barrier on a customer's 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2 (now 375hp) that I built with the promise of making it the fastest H2 in the country from all the knowledge I have acquired and the performance parts I had developed for such an extreme machine. A week before the Texas Mile was the Texas 2K street racing event where are all of the fastest H2's in the country would gather to prove who had the baddest combinations in the land with half of those owners running my RG 62 Performance Parts on them. Watching the results on social media the week before the Texas mile, it was really clear that the first fully built Ninja H2 by MC Cycle Works had the best H2 combination as he promptly ran away from every other bike he raced. With just three working days between my return from India and the Texas Mile, I had little time to prepare my customers H2 for the mile event. Each working day was a twelve to fifteen hour candle burning work day trying to install a Woolich Log Box, wide band, and intercooler. I spent a good part of two days tuning the bike SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 73

THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF A LEGEND

on my Dynojet 250i Dynamometer. When arriving at Victoria I learned that I had to make license runs so I used those two runs to get my tuneup perfect. The data from the Woolich Box confirmed what I had been feeling. The H2's rear wheel was spinning through the first two through three gears. But on my first full pass, we produced a 202mph 1/2 mile trap speed and an unbelievable 224mph 1 mile run against a cross tailwind. On day two, I woke up at 6:30am before the sun came up to install my Stage 3 Supercharger gears in anticipation of reaching closer to 230mph. But Saturday morning's forecast predicted a 74 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

headwind which limited me to only 222mph, even with more power but it also caused more tire spin. On Sunday morning, day 3, with more favorable conditions forecasted, hopes were high. I was anxiously staged in the 12th position run order and went live on FaceBook for my first run having faith we would be able to join the 225mph club on the first pass of the day. Twenty four seconds after launching the H2, my ticket read "225.3mph" but not without spinning through first four gears. In an effort to try to stop the excessive spinning, I tried retarding the timing in lower gears and paying more attention to aerodynamics. Kawasaki payed alot of attention to detail when designing the aerodynamics on their supercharged Ninja, but when you disrupt their streamlining by adding a nearly 6 foot tall 170 pound rider with broad shoulders, the aerodynamic flow is completely out the window. Because I can't get completely behind the windscreen, the wind hits my helmet, my shoulders and my hands and it's like applying the front brake at speeds in excess of 200mph. Just like everybody else, I was under the misconception that I didn't need to install my H2R wings because I had an extended Adams arm and the wings would not help unless the bike was short. The aerospace department's purpose for the aesthetically SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 75

THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF A LEGEND

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beautiful wings wasn't just to create big downforce on the front end to stop the wheel from coming up off the ground. The other thing I learned from the aerospace engineers at Kawasaki while in Japan, is that the dual purpose for the wings were to create big time aerodynamics around the rider. At this point I couldn't decide whether the wings would create even greater wheel spin because of the increased downforce on the front end but I installed them anyway thinking that the aerodynamics would counteract the spinning and help gain a couple more miles per hour. With one last chance and the wind switching directions there were some concerns because several riders had to abort runs halfway through the course due to the abrupt cross and tail winds that started pushing them off course. When I approach the starting line the wind had turned in my favor but I was ready to abort my run if things didn't feel well. When I received the go ahead from the starter, I slowly rolled the throttle through first, second and third gear finally locking the throttle by fourth gear with the Michelin EVO tire hooking up in fourth. It wasn't until the top of 6th gear that I realized that I was turning 200 more RPMs going through the traps from previous passes and I knew it was going to be a good run. The wings did the trick as it redirected the air over me and produced the fastest trap speed ever in a standing mile for a Kawasaki H2/H2R. When I pulled up to the ticket booth the man looked at me and shook his head and gave me three copies of record breaking tickets that read 205mph at 1/2 mile and unbelievably 229.1 at the mile. It was cool to see all of the fans were staring at me giving me thumbs up as I returned to my trailer to celebrate with my crew. This was the day I had longed for since 2015 when I first started this project.

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THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

JUSTIN WHITEHAIR

ADRIAN HACKETT

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

NAME: Justin Whitehair HOMETOWN: Gainsville, FL AGE: 25 years old. SERIES: SDR Series. Grudge and Bracket racing. GOALS: To be one of the top racers in Florida. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: The track is a second home to me, and I love spending every second I can at the track and burning race fuel and nitrous and turning on that win light and getting that money.

IMAGES: COURTESY OF JUSTIN WHITEHAIR

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THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP

JASON BALL

ADRIAN HACKETT

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

NAME: Jason Ball HOMETOWN: Isle of Wight, UK AGE: 29 years old. SPONSORS: DR Bikes UK ACCOMPLISHMENTS: It's honestly been just over a year since I attempted my first wheelie. I built my first bike with a lot of help from my late Father. I took it to a quiet car park and tried to wheelie fully expecting it to be so easy after watching so many pros online but it lifted a maximum of 2cm and I just remember thinking, "We spent so much time building a bike and I have no idea how I'm going to learn this." But it wasn't time wasted and his passing is now my biggest inspiration to mastering this sport. GOALS: My goals are to train hard with the ambition of competing in the British Stunt Championships but not for the prizes. For the skills, memories and friends I'll make along the way. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Stupid... There's no other way to really define it you're taking a heavy machine designed to be ridden on two wheels and trying to ballet dance with it on one!

IMAGES: COURTESY OF JASON BALL

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THE LIFE

THE LION'S DEN

WORDS//IMAGES: LION JAMES 88 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

STAY IN YOUR LANE W

ell my friends, it is that time of the year in the northeast United States when it happens as is does each and every year. The roads are thawing from the winter’s freeze, motorcyclists are creeping out and venturing back to their bikes like sleepy bears waking from hibernation and the motorists comfortable from a few months void of us leather clad hooligans are slowly having their comfort challenged by having to contend with us back out on two. I often write about issues, stories and perspectives that those of you who ride and reside where the motorcycle wheels never stop rolling, can’t appreciate. I know there are year round riding areas in the world, but first I gotta write about the world I know. Despite our having a bipolar winter in 2016 and 2017 (triple entendre, don’t even ask me how...) where it was 65 degrees one day then 8 inches of snow the next, the “riding season” is finally upon us and it is time to take to the streets once again.

Admittedly in my post 30 years and now that I am a parent I do not take advantage of every opportunity to ride my motorcycle which has more to do with my

having to drop my son off at school in the morning than with my age and lack of need to ride as often as possible. But as soon as school is done for the summer I can resume my daily two wheel commutes to work and get my fill of riding and not only nights and weekends.

What has become painfully obvious to me the past few rides as the book closes on March and April brings with it warmer weather and washes away the salt from the roads is that motorists really do have a problem sharing the road with motorcyclists. I understand that in part this is because motorists got used to not seeing us out there and also the average car, truck, SUV, van or commercial truck driver sees us as law breaking deviants who respect neither the rules of the road nor cage drivers’ propensity to drive distracted or on auto pilot. One particular behavior of motorcyclists that motorists especially detest is our penchant for changing lanes frequently. I have never asked one but I believe motorists dislike motorcyclists doing this because they cannot and because there are certain constraints of driving on public roads that at times just don’t apply to those of us fortunate SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 89

THE LIFE: THE LION'S DEN

for sheer mass when it comes to a close encounter with a motorist. Never underestimate the willingness and capability of those in a car or truck to move you and your motorcycle out of their way and more importantly understand a motorcyclist’s inability to do To be fair it is probably very distracting to a car the same. Let us not forget that a collision between a driver to have a bike zooming in and out of different motorcycle and a car will most likely only leave one lanes in front of you. Aside from the inherent risk to of the people at the controls unscathed. Guess what? the motorcyclist, there’s a lot of anxiety and concern It ain't the biker. over the potential for that risky behavior to affect the motorist should that erratic lane changing end If motorists had their way we would stay in our lane in a collision. This hatred of the way motorcyclists and ride the way they drive. Lane changes would navigate the roads often manifests itself in aggressive only be to overtake the vehicle in front of us driving driving and being bullies on public highways. One slower than we would like to, to get to the lane of the first lessons I was taught by an old timer in the for exiting the highway or making a turn onto an motorcycle community when I started riding over ten intersecting roadway. For motorists, every move we years ago was when I was asked to repeat after him make on our motorcycles is in some way making as he said, “There are large trucks and there are small their driving experience more difficult. In the minds motorcycles. The small motorcycle never beats the of the commercial truck driver we see them and their large truck. I am not the large truck.” I learned long massive trailers as a challenge or some sort of road ago not to challenge cars and trucks when on my bike hurdle to overcome. because speed and maneuverability are no match enough to only have two wheels. Yes we change lanes frequently and do you know why? It’s really really fun and because quite frankly, we can. If you could, you would too!

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Sure, the kids in the backseat of the station wagon think we are the coolest thing on the planet and actually want to see us exceed the speed limit and do a wheelie but their frustrated mothers and fathers behind the wheel are livid that the traffic jam ahead will merely slow us down instead of bring us to a dead halt while they wait for the caravan of grocery getters and soccer practice destined cage jockeys to move it along at five miles per hour through the congestion which will be their next 45 minutes of what started out as a 15 minute sprint from point A to B. They’d like us to not share the road with them. They’d prefer we kept to dive bar parking lots, race tracks and dirt trails far removed from where they drive. The road is theirs and we have no place there. Motorists want us to stay away from their fragile four wheeled machines. Drivers want bikers to stay alert and be ever vigil as we ride while they text, talk on their phones, fiddle with the radio , apply make up, eat, drink, discipline their children in the back seats and even fall asleep. Operators of commercial trucks, bus drivers, paratransit van drivers, ambulance drivers and even police officers in their cars want us to stay back or out of their way as if them doing their job is somehow more important than us living our lives

and enjoying our ride. To put it plainly they want us to stay in our lane. P.S.A. time for my fellow road warriors because, to be clear, we are all pedestrians first. The roads belong to all of us and none of us at the same time. We are more exposed on our motorcycles when we ride than you are when you drive. We are harder to see and have much less vehicle between us and whatever object, person or other vehicle that may get in our paths. The rules of common courtesy do not change based on what you choose to drive. The laws of traffic apply to both drivers and riders. As motorcyclists we do not have the luxury of not paying attention on the road and more importantly we motorcyclists do not have a problem sharing the road with motorists. What I’d like motorists in cars to understand is that we motorcyclists are not in your way. We are not the enemy, nor are we here to block your path, slow your commute or run you off the road. We are not traffic. We are no more law breaking nonconformists than you and we need not slow down, stay off the road nor stay in our lane. It is you that need to stay in yours. I am not the big truck and you are not the little motorcycle… So stay in your lane.

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Distributed by:

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 93 www.VooDoomoto.com

THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Vonnie LOCATION: Franklinville, NJ OCCUPATION: Corrections Officer. YEARS RIDING: I've been riding about 20 years. RIDING STYLE: Street. BIKE/S OWNED: Two Suzuki Hayabusas. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My 330 tires is my favorite accessory on my bike. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My modular helmet is my favorite riding gear and chaps when I'm riding in the cold. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My most memorable ride was from New Jersey to Rockingham, NC. The scenery was incredibly beautiful.

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Pete Ashman LOCATION: Wayne, PA OCCUPATION: Driver to the AV Industry. YEARS RIDING: 40 plus years. RIDING STYLE: Street and track. BIKE/S OWNED: 2015 BMW S1000RR, 1999 Triumph Trophy, 1985 Suzuki GS1150ES, 1965 250 Ducati, 2014 AWD 450 Dual Sport, 2003 CRF 450 Honda. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: The fact that the S1000RR needs none! FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My boots. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: So many great rides.. But every Philadelphia Rider Second Sunday Ride is memorable!

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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS

Mike Lowery LOCATION: Sharon Hill, PA OCCUPATION: Desktop Support Technician. YEARS RIDING: 12 years. RIDING STYLE: Street. My first time on track was March 27, 2017. BIKE/S OWNED: 2004 Kawasaki ZX636, 2009 Kawasaki ZX10R, 2016 Yamaha R1S, 2017 Victory Magnum. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Favorite mod on my R1 is the 3/4 titanium slip on exhaust by Arrow that screams at 115db. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: I am a Dainese brand lover. I have a leather riding jacket for riding in the city. I have a textile jacket for those extra hot summer days and I also have a full race suit with Dainese gloves and boots. I even having cruiser riding boots that are Dainese. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: The most memorable ride was traveling back from Woodbridge, VA with some of my Twister family. R.I.P Country Mike. 96 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

April Jeter LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY OCCUPATION: Expeditor. YEARS RIDING: 11 years. RIDING STYLE: Mainly streets. BIKE/S OWNED: 2010 Honda CBR 600RR for day to day. 2004 Honda CBR1000RR Repsol for speed. 1994 Suzuki GSXR 750 for stunt practice. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My loud Two Brothers Exhaust. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: High heels. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Escorting friends from Daytona, FL to the Jacksonville Airport. A two hour drive in traffic. We left with only an hour until lift off, whitelining and flying the whole way. Minutes away we saw highway patrol on highway and we slowed and feared our friend would miss his plane.Â I sacrificed myself and sped past the cop. I got pulled over and said that my throttle was stuck. He let me go with a warning and our friend made his flight.

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

WORDS: ERIC WOOD IMAGES: BRIAN J. NELSON 100 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

T R A C K SURVIVAL RULES FOR PASSING & C R A S H I N G

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: TRACK SURVIVAL

ost months in our articles we talk about specific techniques to improve your riding. At a recent track day, I was reminded that to put these techniques to use, we need to first make sure that we do all that is within our control to stay upright. While riders at every experience level make occasional mistakes, there’s nothing like a broken collarbone in one of the first sessions of the day to halt your progress. Of all the ways that you can fall, the most common unnecessarily crash is when two riders get together while someone is attempting a pass. At a nearly every track day I have attended over the years I have heard coaches talk in classrooms, rider’s meetings and with individual riders about how to pass safely on the track. While the rules of engagement are quite different for racers, I have heard similar pleadings from officials at regional and professional racing events at every level. To enhance rider comfort, track day organizations usually have rules that vary with the skill and experience level of different riding groups. "Comfort" is a subjective matter, but safety is not. High speed differential and bike proximity can make any pass “feel” dangerous, but if you did not have to change what you were doing to avoid a crash then it was strictly a comfort matter. An unsafe pass requires a rider to make a significant move to either prevent contact or avoid running off the track. While complaints of “uncomfortable” passes are warranted in most track day groups (according to the rules), our focus is going to be on ensuring that passes are not dangerous. One of the worst crashes I was ever involved 102 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

in was the direct result of a rider attempting an unsafe pass. I was competing in an AMA Formula Extreme national (600cc superbikes) at one of the fastest tracks in the nation. As we approached end of the straight at well over 160 mph, I drafted the rider in front of me and positioned myself for a pass on the inside. My competitor was on the brakes, so I planned to go in extra deep. Just as we closed the throttle (top straightway speed) another rider tried to pass both of us even further to the inside. In the fraction of a second it took me to think “this isn’t a good idea” he moved about half a bike length in front of us, tried to stop, realized he was in too deep and then decided to sweep to the outside of the track (and across both of our front tires). This fantastic maneuver sent three bikes flipping end over end at 160 mph and put two of us in the hospital. The classic mistake this rider made is known as “out of sight, out of mind”. He assumed that once he could no longer see us, he could use any part of the asphalt he needed. The way to avoid being dangerous when making an inside pass is simple: never move wider than the line you used to make the pass. Your sacrifice when making this type of move is a shallower entrance trajectory into the turn, which often forces you to slow down a little extra to make the apex. I’ve had many instances when my need to gather myself together and made the rider I was passing wait to turn in, but that’s just a matter of inconvenience. However, if I collect his front wheel with my rear or cause him to make heroic moves to avoid contact then that’s dangerous.

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: TRACK SURVIVAL

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This rule of not crossing the path of the rider you are passing applies to outside passes as well. While it’s difficult to know exactly when the rider you are passing is completely clear, the basic rule that I try to employ is to always leave a full bike width between yourself and the inside edge of the track. This way if you have not made it all the way by there is room for the other rider to stay on the asphalt. As soon as you switch directions or head down a straight you will naturally separate. Perhaps the hardest thing for newer riders to judge is how late to too late to make an inside passing move. It takes experience to judge how soon and how hard another rider will turn in, and unfortunately newer riders are always less predictable. When a rider is near the limit, the ability to make an abrupt turn in move is simply not there. Your speed dictates your ability to tighten up the line on the entrance.

Finally, if something happens and you do end up on the ground, there are a critical rule to remember. The #1 thing that the Penguin School teaches riders to do when they fall is to stay low. This is not the natural instinct for most riders. Understandably, we want to get off of the track as fast as possible.

However, standing up and running puts you in far greater danger. If you are below the axle height of a motorcycle it will run over you. I won’t tell you that this is a lot of fun, but having been in incidents where I have been on both the top and bottom side of the running over I can say that the injuries are ones that generally heal after a little while. In contrast, if you get up above the axle height then the bike will run through you. I have seen far greater injuries in these cases, and a few of them have been fatal. Yes, it is important to get off the track, but the key is to crawl off as As such, I typically leave newer riders two or fast as you can. three times the amount of room when making passing. I’d love to say this is purely out of Everyone makes mistakes when riding. If I fall courtesy, but the honest answer is that it’s just as because I’m pushing too hard, then I can accept much to save my own skin. There are times that full responsibility for that. It’s not fun, but it is I’ve approached riders going so slow that they part of the game that I accept. However, it’s a could make a 90 degree turn at any moment. In different kind of experience when you fall because order to compensate for large closing speeds, of someone else’s mistake. In 27 years of track I’ll move to almost the complete opposite side of riding I’ve been on both ends of this situation a the track when going by. The biggest danger few times. My goal is to share my love of this when passing is not outright speed, but speed sport with as many people as possible, and differential. You’ve got to assume that the rider sometimes it’s something as simple as making a you are passing will make the worst possible move prudent choice when passing someone that helps you could imagine, and be prepared to avoid a make that happen. Enjoy your season. And until collision if they do. next time, ride fas... Ride safe! SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 105

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